Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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1269. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the publication of the results from the survey on the national overview of the provision of allotments and community gardens across Ireland that was issued to local authorities in February 2024, including when the full results from the survey will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11570/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 includes an action for my department 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. To progress this action a short survey was issued to 31 county councils/local authorities to get a snapshot of the national picture and elicit interest in taking part in a discussion on the challenges and opportunities around community gardens and allotments. In total, 17 local authorities engaged with my department through the survey and at workshops held in June and September 2024. The results of the survey were not intended for publication but rather to inform the implementation of the strategy. I can however share the following insights:

Since the 2018 survey of Local Authorities by the Local Government Management Agency, it appears that the number of counties with access to community gardens or allotments has increased. Residents of counties Wicklow, Galway, Tipperary, Leitrim, Sligo and Meath now have access to community gardens or allotments, although not all community gardens or allotments are under the control of the Local Authority. Seven Local Authorities stated that they directly provided allotments for residents. 16 Local Authorities stated that there were Community Gardens in their Local Authority.

The survey results indicate that in those Local Authorities new to this area, Local Climate Officers are leading the development of community gardens and allotments as this provision is included in most Local Authority Climate Action Plans. In larger Local Authorities the Parks Department typically takes the lead.