Friarstown Allotments bloom with spaces that satisfy body and soul
By Mary Dennehy
PRIZE vegetables and scarecrows were on show last Saturday when the Friarstown Allotments were in full bloom for a community open-day.
With approximately 300 plots, the Friarsown Allotment is the largest of South Dublin County Council’s four community grow spaces – which are run in partnership with the South Dublin Allotment Association.
Officially launching the open day, local councillor Paul Foley said: “South Dublin County Council is very happy to assist the South Dublin Allotment Association with their endeavours to promote the concept of self-sufficiency, carbon efficiency, health and community spirit.
“It is fitting that this event takes place just a few weeks ahead of the launch on the 12th September next of the Council’s Health and Wellbeing Week.
“Allotments provide for so many positive outcomes such as space to recreate the body and the soul, space to escape from unemployment, contact with and understanding nature, growing and appreciating where our food comes from and companionship.”
On the day, urban farmers dug in and tried to win the coveted prize vegetable awards, while a competition for the best scarecrow was also staged alongside an art competition, demonstrations and advice on growing.
A council spokesman told The Echo that the local authority and allotment association are currently identifying allotments in Friarstown that are not being used, with anybody interested in taking over an allotment encouraged to get in touch.
There are four allotments across the county, Friarstown (300 plots), Corkagh Park (36 plots), Palmerstown (74 plots) and Tymon Park (13 plots) – with a significant expansion of Tymon Park in the pipeline for next year, which will see the allotment increase from 13 plots to 150.
The plots range in size from 50 sq m to 100 sq m and the cost is €1 per square metre for one year.
For further information or to express interest visit: www.sdcc.ie or call the council on 4149000.
Check out this week’s edition of the Echo for more pictures from the Friarstown allotments open day.
