Scott celebrates handover of the Plot to Plate Garden

Local residents have officially taken over a thriving community garden created through the Plot to Plate initiative, a project designed to reconnect people with food and strengthen community ties.

The celebration event marked the handover of the garden to local residents and showcased the skills, friendships, and pride developed over the past months. Participants enjoyed a varied programme that included creating planting calendars, enjoying live music, and sharing a feast made from produce grown throughout the year.

The Plot to Plate initiative was created to equip participants with practical food-growing skills, regardless of gardening experience or available space. Local people learned how to make planters, compost, and adapt food-growing to balconies and shared spaces — skills that will continue to serve them well into the future.

Project leads, Greystones Councillor Lourda Scott and Anna Mazzarotto from Greystones Town Team, spoke about the positive impact the food-growing initiative has had.

Cllr Lourda Scott said:
“This project has been an inspiring example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared goal. Over the past months, residents have not only learned valuable skills in food growing, but have also created a space that is welcoming and inclusive. Yesterday’s celebration was a wonderful reflection of the sense of pride that this project has nurtured. I am looking forward to seeing how the garden will continue to flourish into the future. I hope that this handover marks the beginning of a new chapter, where growing your own food is commonplace no matter where you live.”

Anna Mazzarotto added:
“It has been so exciting to see the Plot to Plate project come to life. What began as a simple idea has grown into something much bigger – the best part has been watching neighbours connect, share skills, and take real pride in the garden they’ve built together."

The project was funded by LEADER and delivered by Jason McCormack of FoodTree, with support from Greystones Town Team and Tuath Housing.

With the garden now in the hands of local residents, the Plot to Plate project has shown how community food-growing can promote sustainability, build resilience, and create lasting connections.