Kildare County Council publish Allotment and Community Garden Strategy 2024 - 2030
Kildare County Council is excited to publish its first Allotment and Community Garden Strategy – which aims to develop a pilot programme of allotment and community garden projects to be delivered across the county over the next six years.
The popularity and rise of allotments and food growing as a land use and leisure pastime was recognised by the inclusion of an objective in the Kildare County Development Plan 2023 – 2029. The case for allotments and community gardens received strong support through a public interest survey which garnered c.1350 responses, with people and communities right across County Kildare requesting allotments and community gardens. This illustrates a huge demand across the county that far exceeds existing provision. County Kildare currently has one allotment at Wonderful Barn, Leixlip.
Kildare’s Allotment & Community Garden Strategy sets out a programme for the incremental delivery of pilot projects, with at least one proposed in each Municipal District. To meet the identified demand, Kildare County Council will focus on five pilot project locations over the period 2024-2030.
Maynooth’s Harbour Field is planned to be the first community garden delivered as part of the programme. Going forward, Kildare County Council is committed to providing and supporting more allotments and community garden ventures in suitable locations across the county. This initiative will provide residents with experience in food growing practices, strengthen social networks and promote sustainable practices.
The strategy outlines Kildare County Council’s action plan, and commitment to providing the necessary set up actions for a site to be opened. It explores management options and leasing arrangements that may be available to both individual growers, not for profits and suitable local community groups. Additionally, it serves as a reference and best practice guide in the delivery of future allotment and community garden projects whilst also providing an overview of what such a facility should look like when opened.
Where demand has been identified, the strategy carries out a thorough assessment of towns across the county to provide a schedule of alternative site options which have the potential to provide a home for an allotment or community garden, subject to funding and resources.
This strategy is the first step in an exciting journey and change for not only Kildare County Council, but residents and their community. It enables the experience of growing your own food and gardening practices while enjoying the many outdoor recreational benefits.
