Council will work with community groups on allotments at Belvedere

An enthusiastic Cllr Hazel Smyth is going to “get cracking” on mustering interest in allotments at Belvedere House and Gardens, Mullingar.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, she said there is a huge demand for allotments now due to the rising cost of living, food shortages and the influx of Ukrainian refugees.

She accepted that the idea was tried before and failed because it was too far out of town, but she felt it might be more successful in the current economic climate with more people wanting to grow their own food.

The mayor, Cllr Aoife Davitt, said that the team at Belvedere were open to working with community groups. She spoke of the great work that was being done by the Women’s Shed at the old falconry at Belvedere.

David Jones, director of services, confirmed that the team at Belvedere were open to working with communities.

If a group was willing to take responsibility, in conjunction with the management in Belvedere, for looking after the allotment area so it does not fall back on the staff to do so, the council would be happy to talk to them.

Cllr Smyth declared that she would be happy to work with the council and local community groups that are looking for this adding, “so I’ll get cracking on that on my side”.