COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, February 09, 2026
QUESTION NO. 10
QUESTION: Councillor D. Donnelly
To ask the Chief Executive are there any plans to expand on the garden/vegetable allotments to areas accessible by foot or on public transport?
REPLY:
SDCC’s County Development Plan and Parks and Open Space Strategy supports the provision of allotments in new developments. SDCC’s county development plan also supports the development of compact settlements and the provision and support of sustainable transport to new developments. The policies supporting smaller gardens in new developments, as per the government published compact settlement guidelines, and increased apartment living, is likely to increase demand for allotments. Provision of allotments contribute to delivering the Green Infrastructure Strategy and Climate Change Action for the county as they act as both a mitigation and adaptation measure to combat Climate Change.
A new allotment site has been planned and built in Newcastle and will have approx. 29 sites. The allotments have been built, and all associated infrastructure (car parking, access road, electric gates, power, water) has been delivered. SDCC are currently progressing the taking in charge process with the developer. The proposed allocation model (once available) will be: 5 plots to community groups, 24 plots to individuals living within the SDCC area. Priority may be given to local residents of Graydon, subject to applications. There is currently 1 person on the waiting list from the Newcastle area.
There are also plans for developer delivered allotments as part of the planned delivery of the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) and the planning scheme in place there. Planning has recently been granted for the parks in the SDZ and include the provision of allotments. Clonburris has been designed to support sustainable transport and the parks and open spaces will be very accessible via sustainable transport measures.
SDCC currently manage and provide a total of 443 allotments. Friarstown: 312; Corkagh: 42; Mill Lane: 74; Tymon: 15.
Within the existing allotment sites, there are plans for repairs to car parks where surfaces have deteriorated, the revamping of plot number signage and the assessment of toilet provision across all sites. Soil improvement works in several locations where plots are currently offline due to standing water issues. Minor improvement works across all sites, such as replacing existing wooden pillar bunkers which will reduce the need for regular replacement and ongoing maintenance. A provision has been made within the capital budget in January 2026 for the upgrade of existing and provision of new allotments. A feasibility study to identify suitable areas for provision will consider items such as sustainable access etc.
All existing Council-provided allotments are accessible to the public either on foot or via existing public transport services, with only short walking distances required from the nearest bus stops.
Friarstown Allotments
- Friarstown Allotments are accessible on foot and by public transport. The site is served by the F1 and S6 bus services, with stops at Old Bawn Shopping Centre, and by the SD3 bus service, with a stop at St Anne’s Church, Friarstown, all within walking distance of the allotments.
Palmerston Allotments
- Palmerston Allotments are accessible by public transport, with a short walk from nearby bus stops. Dublin Bus routes 52, 80, C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5 all serve the surrounding area. The nearest stops include Belgrove Park, Kylemore Road, Ashtown, The Oval, and Palmerstown Bypass, with walking times ranging from approximately 3 to 12 minutes, depending on the stop used.
Corkagh Park Allotments
- Corkagh Park Allotments are accessible by public transport. Dublin Bus routes 69, W4, and 69X serve stops within walking distance of the park. The closest stops include Corkagh Demesne, Saint John’s Drive, and the Green Isle Road / Green Isle Hotel area, all providing pedestrian access to the allotments.
Tymon Park Allotments
- Tymon Park Allotments are accessible by public transport, with Dublin Bus routes 77A, 77X, and 27 stopping within approximately 5–10 minutes’ walking distance of the allotments, depending on the stop used.