Cork council to examine opening allotments to public
People in towns and villages across Co. Cork may soon be able to grow their own food in allotments.
At a meeting of the northern division of Cork Co. Council, Aontú Cllr. Peter O’Donoghue got the full backing of his fellow councillors for his motion to develop a policy that would enable residents of towns and villages in the county to use council-developed allotments.
The assistant CEO of Cork Co. Council, Niall Healy, said that it was a very worthwhile proposition, and one that will be given due consideration under the new Cork county development plan.
Cllr O’Donoghue said: "I grew up on a farm in rural Ireland where I always had the opportunity to grow my own food. I now live in a house with an acre, and I am self-sufficient for all my veg and many fruit.
"It is amazing how much can be packed into one acre of ground, and I truly value the opportunity.
"I believe everybody should have that same chance to grow their own food, irrespective of whether they live in rural or urban Cork."
According to the Áontu councillor, the benefits of growing your own food are "huge".
"It’s sustainability in real action and vital for our food security and biodiversity in very uncertain times," O’Donoghue said.
"It’s brilliant at guiding and educating children about growing food and the various nutrients inherent in that.
"It also fosters respect for food in them and gives them a great sense of achievement when they sit down to eat things they grew themselves."
Cost-effective
O’Donoghue also pointed to the cost-effective benefits, which he believes are important due to the "spiralling" food prices.
He added: "Our land has sustained us for generations and it is grounding for everybody to reconnect with that.
"It’s great exercise and has enormous physical and mental health benefits and fosters a lovely sense of community and connection."
O'Donoghue added that he was pleased by the support shown for the proposal by the assistant CEO of Cork County Council, and looked forward to the proposal to create a policy on food allotments and community gardens becoming a reality for all the people of Cork.
"This is something too that can be replicated all over the country," O'Donoghue contended.
Cork City Council operates allotments at two locations in the city.
There are 53 plots at Churchfield Garden Allotments, Churchfield, while Ballincollig Regional Park has 84 plots.
