Plans for Community Allotment scheme for Clonard residents
PLANS ARE afoot to establish a Community Allotment Scheme for the Clonard/Coolcotts area and to this end Tom Harpur, originally from Belvedere Grove, is seeking the public's views and opinions as to the viability of the idea.
The scheme would operate like already other established allotment schemes around the country. Those interested in growing their own vegetables would sign up to operate and manage their own plot of land within the Clonard Parish boundaries.
'We want to get the people from the wider area of Clonard and Coolcotts together to find out what interest there is among the people to re-establish the old style of allotments which were so popular a few years ago.
'Because of shrinking building plots in recent years, many people who would like to grow their own vegetables no longer have the room to do so,' says Tom.
If interest is high enough, the next stage would be to approach the local authorities with the aim of obtaining some land which would be split into allotments which people would then utilise to grow their own produce,' he adds.
Under the Act of 1926, the County Council must provide help or through a compulsory Purchase Order, provide land for allotments,' Tom explains.
'It is my belief that with today's rising numbers of unemployed, allotments would give people the opportunity to get out into the fresh air and grow their own vegetables.
'This would give people the opportunity to believe in themselves again through using their time constructively.'
Already, some land owners are prepared to allow people go on to their land and use it for the purpose of growing vegetables.
'We have already identified a couple of parcels of land which would be suitable for allotment usage. They are close to town and would be most suitable for access by all.
By growing fresh produce, people would know they have the best possible vegetables for consumption. If the plan is successful, we would envisage opening up the scheme to the whole of Wexford town and even further afield' says Tom.
He says the hope is that there would be little or no fees to pay for the use of allotments.
'Our idea is open to everyone, male, female, young, and old. The sense of achievement from the tough work associated with growing vegetables is enormous,' Tom concludes.
To register your interest and to find out more, contact Tom on 086 3367325, 087 2294095 or at tomjharpur@eircom.net.
