In March 2022, Community Gardens Ireland presented to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Our presentation contained a number of proposals to increase the number of allotments and community gardens in Ireland which we summarised into our Let’s Get Growing report.

The Let’s Get Growing report contained a review of legislation and issues with the provision and protection of allotments and community gardens for the last 100 years in Ireland.

At the March 2022 Oireachtas Committee and during numerous other submissions made since 2021, we have asked for improved wording to be put into law in order to make it easier for communities to access land for growing their own food.

Earlier today, the Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh launched a Private Members Bill on community gardens.

Community Gardens Ireland welcome the publication of the Private Members Bill on community gardens during the first ever National Allotments and Community Gardens Week. This is the first time that community gardens have ever been mentioned in a bill or law in Ireland and the bill, if passed, would finally give some form of legal protection to community gardens in Ireland.

It will also give clarity to local authorities on the legal status for community gardens, and will make it easier for a person or individual in Ireland to request access to land for community growing purposes.

Community Gardens Ireland know there is huge support from across Ireland for more spaces for communities to grow their own food. Allotments and community gardens help improve physical and mental health, help communities integrate, and also are of huge benefit for biodiversity.

We encourage all Senators and TDs to support this Private Members Bill, to finally give legal protection to community gardens and to expand it to also cover allotments.

We encourage all of our members to get in contact with your local TD and Senator to request them to support this Private Members Bill.

For any questions, please contact us at info@cgireland.org