Longford Town Community Allotments were formally opened last week, unveiling a new community garden and 44 affordable growing plots designed to boost local food production, biodiversity and community connections.

The ceremony coincided with Ireland’s 10th Climate Action Week and launches a significant, community-led scheme on a once-vacant two-acre site off the old Dublin Road at Aghadegnan in Longford Town.

Forty-four allotments are available to individuals and community groups for a modest annual fee, providing space to cultivate fresh produce, gain hands-on skills and meet people from across the community.

The initiative is a partnership between Longford County Council’s Climate Action Team, Longford Community Resources CLG and the Longford Town Community Allotment Committee.

The launch was organised by the Allotment Committee, chaired by Andy Smith, with support from Edel Kelly of Longford Community Resources and Bernard Shea, Aisling Murphy and Gary Brady from the Council’s Climate Action Team.

Funding has come from the Housing Finance Agency, the Local Environmental Action Fund and the Longford Town Decarbonisation Zone Demonstrator Fund. The Housing Finance Agency’s Social Investment Fund backs projects that enhance neighbourhoods, foster inclusion and improve quality of life.

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Landscape architect Gillian Ní Chaiside of Faoin Aer Landscape Studio designed the site. Once fully complete, it will include a polytunnel, shared community space, a compost toilet, raised beds and a compost station alongside the 44 plots.

The concept for a community allotment emerged in autumn 2025. Following public consultation, a suitable council-owned location was selected and clearance began towards the end of that year.

The Longford Town Community Allotment Committee was established in February 2026 with Andy Smith as Chairperson, and plot holders began cultivating from mid to late May.

Within a few months the site was close to full, with first harvests gathered earlier this year. Many gardeners have also prepared for winter planting, with beetroots, cabbages, garlic, broccoli and celery now in full bloom.

The allotments aim to help residents grow some of their own food and learn about seeds, soils, planting and seasonality. They also offer a shared venue for skill-sharing, community activity and intergenerational learning.

Broader goals include increased access to fresh food, better wellbeing, support for pollinators and biodiversity, and a deeper sense of community, reflecting the original vision of an inclusive place to grow, share knowledge and connect.

Speaking at the official launch, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Mark Casey said: "These allotments are a valuable addition to Longford Town. They give individuals, families, and community groups an affordable place to grow fresh food, learn new skills and spend time outdoors.

"The plots may be separate, but the purpose of the site is shared. It is about bringing people together, passing knowledge from one generation to the next and making practical climate action part of everyday life. I congratulate everyone involved in taking this project from an idea to a productive community space in such a short period."