Community Gardens Ireland is proud to mark a landmark achievement for the movement. In May 2025, Carlow County Council became the first local authority in the Republic of Ireland to officially launch a dedicated Community Garden & Allotment Policy, accompanied by a practical Handbook for community groups.

This pioneering framework affirms the value of community growing spaces in local development, climate action, and public health. It sets a replicable model for other councils across Ireland—demonstrating how local authorities can support community-led environmental initiatives in a structured, inclusive, and sustainable way.

But what does it mean when a local authority publishes a policy?

A policy document is not a law, but it is a powerful tool. It outlines the council’s intentions, priorities, and strategies in a specific area—in this case, community growing. While not legally binding on its own, this policy aligns with national legislation, the County Development Plan, and the Local Authority Climate Action Plan, giving it weight and influence in decision-making. It can also guide the creation of enforceable actions, such as byelaws or planning decisions.

Carlow’s Community Garden & Allotment Policy and Handbook offer a robust, actionable roadmap for establishing, managing, and sustaining community gardens and allotments on public land. They embed principles of biodiversity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship, and cover everything from site selection and governance to funding, accessibility, and sustainable practices.

This is more than a document—it’s a commitment. A commitment to empowering communities, enhancing public spaces, and addressing climate and health challenges through local action.

We invite communities, policymakers, and advocates to explore these documents and join us in advancing this movement nationwide.

Below you will find two PDFs, Carlow County Council’s Community Gardens & Allotments Handbook and the underlying Policy document.

Community Gardens & Allotments Policy

Community Gardens & Allotments Handbook

Photo credit: Carlow Co Co