This week saw the official opening of Galway City Partnership’s rooftop balcony garden on the Headford Road by Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary.
Situated high above Lidl and with a commanding view of the Corrib and across the city, the roof area has been transformed into an urban oasis of tasty and organic vegetables, from carrots and broccoli, spinach and spuds, a variety of herbs and salads and even a fig tree in the greenhouse .
Galway City Partnership CEO, Linda Sice Brogan says that the garden is a great example of what can be done in urban spaces and at community or business level,
“GCP wanted to demonstrate how locally produced food can reduce the carbon footprint of supply chains and show that any urban space can be transformed to provide locally grown produce.”
Funded by the Community Climate Action Fund which is awarded by Galway City Council and the Department of Climate Energy and Environment, the project began in February of this year and is skilfully tended by participants on the Tús and Community Employment programmes with support from Hinterland.
Minister Calleary told the gathered that he was delighted to be performing the launch for Galway City Partnership,
“GCP are a highly effective and dynamic partner for my Departments in providing social inclusion and employment services across the city. Their staff and boards have brought about momentous change and hope for people and communities for many years.
“Today, it’s fantastic to see yet another example of what’s possible with a partnership approach and I also want to commend the efforts of Galway City Council, the Local Community Development Committee, the Department of Climate Energy and Environment as well as officials in my own Departments who work so well with GCP on many community and employment programmes.”
Deputy Chief Executive with Galway City Council, Derek Pender outlined the impact of the fund in Galway City,
“It is impressive to see the development of this urban garden which is one of 19 local projects which were successful in an overall fund of €560,242.
“Some of the completed projects to date include a new community garden in Ballyloughnane, a huge Solar PV system on Westside Resource Centre, a full retrofitting project at No. 4 Youth Service and an EV cargo bike at Café Link Galway to name a few.”
The Chairperson of Galway City Partnership welcomed Minister Calleary and the large audience that included Deputy Mayor, Alan Cheevers, Detective Inspector Fergus Gaughan, members of the Local Community Development Committee and supporters from many local partner organisations of Galway City Partnership.
