COMMUNITY gardening should be actively encouraged in Dublin to promote greater community spirit, as well as to contribute to health benefits for those involved.
That’s the view of Dublin MEP, Emer Costello, who visited community garden projects throughout the city in recent weeks.
“Lots of Dubliners have recently embraced community gardening and can see the benefits,
? said Ms Costello.
“Apart from yields of fresh fruit and vegetables which can contribute to a healthy diet, some communities have reported less anti-social behaviour since community gardening initiatives have commenced in their areas.
“I believe that the concept of community gardening needs to be embraced even more throughout the city, and this requires initiative from the local authorities, schools, and communities themselves.
“With an increased emphasis on community gardening, there is enormous potential for jobs, training and social enterprises which can have far-reaching benefits.
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As a measure to encourage the development of more community gardens, Ms Costello said that developers needed encouragement to make vacant sites available to facilitate gardens.
“The Labour Group on Dublin City Council has proposed a levy on vacant sites,
? she stated.
“These sites would be exempted from the levy if they are given over to community use, such as community gardens or pop-up parks.
“I believe this initiative could encourage developers to make such sites available in the short-term.
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Ms Costello said community gardens can grow better awareness of food and waste.
“Across Europe we waste 89 million tons of food annually, a trend that is morally and economically unacceptable,
? she stated.
“More production of food at home would also increase awareness of food waste, and allow us to address this issue.
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Ms Costello’s community garden visits in the city included the Serenity Community Garden, Phibsborough, St Audoen’s School Community Garden at Cook Street and Cherry Orchard Community Garden.
“The volunteers and staff who have developed all of these facilities deserve huge congratulations and are an example to communities throughout the city,
? she added.
“Particularly impressive was the garden at St Audoen’s school where there is very little available space.
“To overcome this, large vegetable boxes have been put in place to grow a range of plants. This really demonstrates that community gardens are within everyone’s realm.
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