New allotments opening on theoutskirts of Lisburn

Grainne Phillips, who is participating in the Council’s ‘Graduate into Business Programme’, is encouraging local residents to experience a modern approach to allotment gardening at Whitemountain Road.

Grainne is the owner of ‘Little Green Allotments’ and said: “This is a very special and unique area, which has breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains and Lough Neagh. The soil onsite is unpolluted following the careful nurturing of generations of farmers over the last century. This 100% organic soil is guaranteed to grow the best fruit and vegetables.

The business promises to offer its allotment holders support when developing their allotment to cultivate home grown fruit and vegetables. Additional facilities such as a relaxation centre, workshops and entertainment are also planned.

Alderman Jim Dillon, Chairman of the Council’s Economic Development Committee, said: “I am very impressed with the entrepreneurial qualities Grainne has demonstrated in bringing this project to fruition. The Council is delighted through its Economic Development Unit to provide support to this graduate run business.

“The relaxation and health benefits of gardening are widely known, and I would encourage anyone who wishes to produce home grown fare in a tranquil environment to contact Grainne as soon as possible as demand is expected to be high,” he concluded.

The allotments have also won support from North Down Green Party MLA Steven Agnew who said: “Compared to England and many other counties, Northern Ireland does not have enough public space to allow people to grow their own produce.

“The Green Party in Northern Ireland recently undertook research to find out just how much Council owned space is being provided for allotments and we discovered that the numbers are very low.

“In many areas there are long waiting lists for available allotment space and this proves that there is a public demand and keen interest in growing fruit and vegetables.

“This project is run by Grainne Phillips who has had the vision to use her land, which has been farmed by her family for over 100 years, to allow people seeking a healthy hobby with substantial rewards and benefits to get allotment space in the city of Lisburn.”

Grainne added: “It truly is a place for everyone to enjoy. If you are interested in taking an allotment at then come along to the project’s official launch on 27th August at 3pm. Everyone who attends will experience a tour of the site, live music and a garden market.”