Mayor welcomes opening of new Ballynagard community allotments

PICTURED ABOVE: The Mayor Councillor Ruairi McHugh joined Una Cooper, Culmore Community Partnership, Michael Downes, Allotment Supervisor and Maura Fitzpatrick, Regeneration Project Officer, DCSDC, as the new Culmore Community Partnership Organic Allotments at Alder Road have been officially completed. (Photo: Martin McKeown)

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, has officially welcomed the opening of the new community allotments at Ballynagard.

The new allotments, located adjacent to the Ballynagard play park, have been developed in partnership between Council and Culmore Community Partnership Ltd, and support local food growing and community wellbeing.

The scheme provides residents with a shared space to cultivate fresh produce, connect with neighbours, and contribute to the district’s wider sustainability and climate action goals.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor McHugh said: “The Ballynagard Allotments are a fantastic example of community partnership in action. This project shows what can be achieved when local people and Council work together to promote healthy living, sustainability, and community spirit.

“I want to thank Culmore Community Partnership for their vision and dedication in progressing this initiative, and I look forward to seeing it grow and develop as a vibrant community space.”

The project was brought before Council earlier this year, with members approving a 25-year lease agreement between the Council and Culmore Community Partnership for the management and development of the allotments. The lease, will enable the Partnership to manage the site long-term as a dedicated community growing space.

This initiative supports Council’s commitment to encouraging communities to take local action on climate change, promote sustainable food production, and enhance wellbeing through shared green spaces.

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Director of Environment and Regeneration with Council, Karen Phillips, said: “The Ballynagard Allotments reflect our shared ambition to support community-led projects that contribute to environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and local resilience. We are delighted to work alongside Culmore Community Partnership and I want to thank everyone involved in delivering this initiative.”

The allotments are now open to local residents, with opportunities for individuals and families to apply for plots and participate in community growing initiatives.

Una Cooper, Strategic Manager, Culmore Community Partnership, said: “We’re delighted to take on the 25-year lease for the Ballynagard Allotments and to see this fantastic community resource come to life. Our aim is to create a thriving, inclusive space where local people can grow their own food, learn new skills, and connect with nature and one another.

“We’ve already begun running workshops to help new plot holders develop the skills needed to grow organically and sustainably, and we’re excited to see the site flourish as a place for wellbeing, learning, and community action in Culmore.”