Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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217. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding that his Department can provide for the development and up-keep of public allotment spaces, and the way in which that funding can be accessed; if he plays any role in assisting groups in obtaining suitable plots for allotments and, if not, if he can indicate persons or public bodies that can provide assistance; and if his Department has a grow-your-own-food strategy to assist people in the context of food security and sustainability. [50460/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is responsible for developing and supporting the commercial horticulture sector and as such is not responsible for the development of, allocation of or funding for allotments. The provision of allotments is entirely a function of local government.

However, as part of the interdepartmental and multi-stakeholder approach my Department has taken to the new National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 which was launched earlier this year, it is my Department's intention to work with local authorities to implement and support community gardens and allotments to encourage enthusiasm for gardening/growing and promote fresh produce consumption and healthy eating.