Balgaddy Working Together Group was formed three years ago by local residents with the aim to raise awareness of issues of concern in Balgaddy such as: facilities, community integration and environmental improvement. In conjunction with South Dublin County Council, An Taisce & the Balgaddy Working Together Group ran a series of gardening workshops which were open to the local community and took place throughout Spring/Summer 2010.
The Balgaddy Working Together Group has been working towards securing a community green space since its formation in 2008 and in 2010 succeeded in acquiring a plot of land owned by the local parish. This project is in conjunction with the local parish council, CPLN, An Taisce, South Dublin County Council, the Local Employment Services (LES) and is lead by the local community. Participants expect to see the following positive outcomes from the project:
- Community participation and integration
- Developing and disseminating horticultural skills within the local community
- Transforming a derelict site into an attractive green space to act as the heart of the community. This will be carried out in conjunction with volunteers as recruited through Business in the Community.
- To indicate the importance of diet to health and to teach growing skills to young people in an urban environment.
- Linking with other local organisations such as youth services, Green Schools and providing a site for ongoing educational activities.