Mr. D?nal McCormack:

Scotland and Wales are similar in their approach. In Wales in 2009, a review was performed of community growing initiatives because it was known that they were not being promoted enough and that, at a government level, not enough was being done. A report came out from the Welsh Government in 2016 and from that came a list of guidance documents and recommendations as well as a clearing up of the legislation to make it easier for community groups to follow the law. As we have shown, it can be difficult and confusing. It took a long time to even find out there is legislation that is no longer in place. The clearing up of that to make it simple and digestible is important. Wales went a step further in 2021 by issuing a second version of these guidance documents. Having that in place and constantly revising it is useful for community groups because as communities and cities grow there is an overall change in guidance, which is important.

Scotland did similar and set up a national community growing forum. Members of allotment groups, community growers and all manner of urban agricultural schemes contributed to that and help to guide policy at a Scottish Government level. They have highlighted the climate change impacts from allotments and community gardens. There is a 2 kg to 5 kg reduction in carbon when food is grown locally. They have referenced that and it is important to call it out for this committee. They have put a waiting list in place so people do not stay on it for a long time. Five years is what they recommended. They have details for a minimum number of people who make requests to a local authority, at which point that authority must take action. All these initiatives help the local communities and make it easier for them.

I am part of a group in Blessington which has been seeking land from Wicklow County Council for four years. We have found some private land but are still seeking public land. Blessington is surrounded by green fields. There needs to be more emphasis and a time constraint put on this. That is something we can learn from countries such as Scotland and Wales.