COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

MOTION NO. 15

MOTION: Councillor C. McMahon

"That this Area Committee asks the Chief Executive to please give an update regarding the allotments in Bohernabreena.

What are the plans for the allotments?

What is the number of allotments, inc. breakdown of the sizes etc?

Are there any planning guidelines or restrictions as to what individuals may put on their allotment?

Do the council ever remove any items from the allotments or are the holders ever given notice to remove items?

How long may a person stay on the allotment?

What are the general plans for the area and is it restricted to its current size etc?"

REPORT:

Currently there are 425 Council allotments of varying sizes at 4 locations, ranging in size from 50 square metres up to 250 square metres as follows:

•Tymon Park, Tallaght – 13

•Corkagh Park, Clondalkin – 39

•Friarstown, Bohernabreena – 298

•Mill Lane, Palmerstown – 74

In Friarstown,

74 plots are less than 51 sqm

103 plots are between 51 sqm and 101 sqm

108 plots are between 101 sqm and 151sqm

4 plots are between 151 sqm and 200 sqm

9 plots are over 200 sqm

Applicants who wish to register for an allotment must complete an application form which is available from the Public Realm Section or from the Council’s website. The letting of an allotment is subject to terms and conditions as set out in the Letting Agreement.  A new Agreement shall be entered into annually covering the period 1st January to 30th November and full payment for term of the agreement is payable in January.

The annual cost of renting an allotment is €1 per square metre with a reduction for applicants whose sole income is one of the following:-

•Job Seekers Allowance/Benefit

•OAP Contributory/Non Contributory   

•Disability Allowance/Benefit

Planting

The allotment is rented to the allotment holder for the purpose of recreational gardening and/or the cultivation of herbs, flowers, fruit and vegetable crops for consumption by the allotment holder and his/her family and for no other purpose.  The allotment holder shall not grow any plants, weeds or otherwise, as specified and prohibited by Irish and European laws.

The planting of trees of any description is prohibited.  This clause shall not prevent the allotment holder from planting domestic fruit bushes.

A minimum of 75% of the allotment must be cultivated.

“Cultivated” means the Allotment must have the soil turned, plants growing (these include vegetable or fruit crops, flowers, herbs etc.) and be free from weeds

Sheds, Building and Structures

Allotment holders are not permitted to erect structures on the allotment site without the prior written permission of the Council. Structures, including sheds, polytunnels and glasshouses will be permitted on allotment sites subject to the terms and conditions as set out in the annual letting agreement. Permission for the structure must be applied for in writing to South Dublin County Council and approved by the Council.

Conditions include but are not limited to:

Sheds

Structures up to a maximum length and breadth dimension of 1.8m x 1.8m will be permissible. The maximum height allowable is 2.5m.

Polytunnels 

·         A polytunnel can be up to 50% of the area of the allotment plot to a maximum of 10 meters x 5 meters.

·         A polytunnel must be cylindrical in shape and its maximum height at the center must be no higher than 2.5m.

Please note: Friarstown Allotment site in particular is subject to high winds and the sheds may need to be weighted down. The advice of a supplier should be sought on this.

An on-site facility is provided at Friarstown, Tymon Park and Corkagh Park, for allotment holders to store tools and equipment necessary for the cultivation and maintenance of the allotment plot.   

Breach of Conditions

Where it is found that a plot all has not been worked in accordance with the schedule of terms and conditions, a warning letter will be issued to the plot holder referencing issues of concern which must be addressed. Where it is found that the issues of concern have not been addressed to the satisfaction of the council the plot shall be taken back and the Agreement terminated.  

Future Development

South Dublin Allotment Associate who are active in Friarstown has recently indicated their intention to apply for funding under the LEADER Initiative for additional facilities. The Council will commence discussions with the Associate in the near future.

While there are currently no plans to expand the site at Friarstown, the Council has provided for the provision of additional allotments elsewhere in the County in the 2019-2021 3 Year Capital Programme. Additionally, the Council continues to examine the possibility of sub-dividing plots as they are surrendered by plotholders.