Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

That is no problem at all. I was beginning to wonder whether some of the Deputies were proposing the community gardens should be placed on roadways, based on the way the conversation was going. I thought that was a very radical suggestion. Some radical environmentalists subscribe to that idea of guerilla gardening, so perhaps that is where that discussion was going.

Returning to the amendments, amendment No. 112 on community gardens is very welcome. I very much agree with this. As others have said, there are huge benefits in terms of amenity, health, mental health and well-being, but the real value I see in community gardens is not just in making use of often-disused bits of land, bringing them to life, making the area safer and making the surrounding area more inviting for people. It is in seeing the community-building that goes on through them. Especially in areas where there are perhaps newer developments and new residents, community gardens often integrate newer residents in an area with the existing community, young and old, and with everybody from all different backgrounds. The spin-off from that is of massive value, so it is very welcome to have this in legislation.

I have just one question on the definitions around it in the amendment. Much work has gone into it and I appreciate that. This is talking about a community garden being basically defined as land that is owned or leased by a local authority. I can understand the rationale for that in the sense of it being a public amenity or public good. A public park would be owned or leased by a local authority. The idea of community gardens is that they are meant to be a public good. It is not just allotments. Allotments can be in private use, rented out, leased out and so forth. I get that aspect of it. I am just asking whether that is somewhat limiting when we consider co-operatives. Are they by their nature under this? Would it not be a community garden if it was set up by a community co-operative? Over time, it would be good if we went down the route that has been done in some other countries of having community land trusts. These would not just be for community gardens but for other amenities as well.

It can also involve housing. Would this definition then exclude us going down the route of having community land trusts providing some housing, some community gardens and other facilities and amenities? I would like to hear if the Minister has any contribution on those particular aspects of it. I very much welcome all the work that is being put into this.

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