Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Council must do more in order to provide allotment gardens for the people of Newry and Mourne - Curran

Published: 8 May, 2009

Newry Sinn Féin Councillor Brendan Curran has said that he is totally unhappy with Newry and Mourne Council's attempts to provide allotment gardens for the people of this area.

Commenting on the situation Cllr Curran said,

"A motion calling for greater provision of allotments in this area was passed a year ago yet there has been little movement from our Council since then.

"The motion received widespread support from the community in Newry as well as cross-party support in the Council.

"I have been in contact with the Minister for Agriculture Michelle Gildernew who has informed me that money from Europe can be used for the provision allotments, but as yet I don't believe the Council has availed of this.

"I have raised this issue many times at the Council and have heard many reasons that the provision of these allotments cannot be provided. I am now calling for the Council to find ways that it can be done.

"Garden allotments would provide a source of much needed income for the Council as there is a huge demand among the public for them. I have spoken to many people who wish to acquire these plots of land but are in the ridiculous situation where none are available until someone dies or leaves the country.

"The provision of this facility would help families who are in financial difficulty with vegetables and food for their families. It would also provide a pastime for people with no gardens."

Cllr Curran concluded by stating that the Council is too quick to rent land out to other people instead of giving it out people who own it - the rate payers