Opening of Tramore Allotments brings sustainable community gardening to Waterford coast
Cllr Lola O'Sullivan cutting the ribbon at the Tramore Allotments opening alongside locals and plot-holders.
Residents in Tramore can now enjoy a dedicated space to grow their own fresh produce and connect with nature as the Tramore Allotments Association have officially opened their new community allotment project.
The Tramore Allotments are located at Riverstown Business Park, Crobally Upper, Tramore, where an official opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting took place Saturday, June 13.
The Barrack Street Concert Band serenaded locals and plot holders, while Cllr Lola O’Sullivan, Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan District of Waterford, cut the ribbon for the official opening of the site.
The new allotment site has been leased from Waterford City & County Council and received funding of €80,000 from the Department of Rural and Community Development under their Community Recognition Fund 2024.
The recently opened allotments have been specially designed to support both seasoned gardeners and beginners, with fully accessible raised beds, an onsite composting area, rainwater harvesting and communal tool-sharing facilities.
Caroline Burke, Chairperson of the allotment committee, said: “We are incredibly excited to open Tramore Allotments for the Tramore community. Allotments are much more than just a place to grow vegetables; they provide a fantastic physical and mental health outlet, reduce grocery bills, and serve as an incredible shared space to build local connections and promote biodiversity.
“Demand for community growing spaces has surged across Ireland, with many areas reporting extensive waiting lists. Tramore Allotments aims to alleviate some of this local demand, while also serving as a hub for educational workshops on sustainable living and climate action.”
While all 48 individual plots for this year’s growing season have been fully leased, Tramore Allotments is actively accepting applications for their waiting list.
Ms. Burke continued: “The project combines plots for individuals and those for community organisations and we have several community allotments used by Tramore Revive, the Marine Drive Residents Association, The Men’s Shed and GIY and we have a lot of members who are residents from around the Riverstown area.”
To inquire about plot availability or for more information about Tramore Allotments, you can contact tramoreallotments@gmail.com
