Lusmagh group details plans for new community garden project

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Lusmagh Development Association has raised €585 of €1,500 goal for its new community garden project.

Over the past year, the association has been working towards creating a safe, and productive space in the area - and most recently set about raising funds using GoFundMe.

"We have raised 40% of our target in just over a week," said Katie Conway, Lusmagh Development Association Social Media Manager.

"We are currently in the process of developing the park which will contain a productive garden with polytunnels and raised beds, a sensory space and a wildflower meadow. All of this will be surrounded by a lighted walkway which will provide our community with an enclosed, safe space to walk.

Work already carried out in the area included the installation of a polytunnel which is used by the local national school.

"They learn about where their food actually comes from, and how to get their hands dirty," Katie said.

Speaking about the impact the garden will have on the village, Katie said there is currently nowhere for people to gather safely without the worry of heavy machinery and tractors.

"It will provide a safe space for the whole community, and a space for people to gather - which we don't really have at the moment.

"The kids will have an enclosed place to play, and we won't have to worry about the traffic."

Locals have a number of plans in place to raise the remaining funds for the project, including a table quiz night which is set to be hosted in Flynn's pub on December 5, and Tractor Run on December 22.

They have also sourced Return Scheme bins - and hope to use the money collected to fund the garden.

"We've managed to get our hands on some Return Scheme bins as well. Those will be placed around the community, and will help to raise funds towards the community garden as well.

"Cllr. John Leahy will be unveiling the locations of the bins, and he will again promote the fundraising efforts."

Lusmagh Development Association started in 2017 with just two members, and has led to the development of the Lusmagh Bog Road, which is set to enter it's second phase in the coming months.

Katie said: "They have done stellar work to upgrade facilities and amenities in the area."

For more search Lusmagh Development Association on Facebook, or @lusmagh_development_assoc on Instagram.