COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, May 25, 2026

QUESTION NO. 11

QUESTION: Councillor K. Keane

"To ask the committee for information about the process for creating new allotments and if the council would review the potential for allotments in the Bawnlea area?"

REPLY:

SDCC currently manage and provide a total of 443 allotments in Friarstown, Corkagh, Mill Lane and Tymon.  The demand for allotments increased during covid but remains at a steady increase over the last number of years.

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.

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 review is currently underway evaluating the existing provision ensuring the maximisation of current allotments with the potential expansion in some of these areas. This review will help identify suitable areas for provision.