Funding announced for community garden and allotments in Longford Town
The Housing Finance Agency (HFA) has announced €500,000 in funding for 19 community-focused initiatives across 10 counties, including one in Longford
The funding- doubled from €250,000 in 2024 - will be provided through the HFA's Social Investment Fund (SIF), which supports projects that enhance neighbourhoods, promote inclusion and improve quality of life in communities where HFA-funded homes are delivered.
The HFA, which provides loan financing for Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), Local Authorities and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to support the delivery of social and affordable housing, established the SIF to complement housing developments with facilities and initiatives that strenghten the social and economic fabric of communities.
One project in Longford was awarded funding:
Longford County Council will receive funding for a community garden and allotments project at Aghadegnan, Longford Town, which will provide a social and inclusive space for food growing, skill-sharing and community building.
Commenting on the funding awarded, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said:
"The Housing Finance Agency plays a key role in facilitating the delivery of the social and affordable housing needs throughout the country. People need these homes and the HFA plays a crucial role in our delivery.
Housing is a top priority for Government, and creating sustainable communities with infrastructure and amenities that promote inclusion and quality of life is vital to success.
Iniatives such as this Social Investment Fund are central to creating homes and communities where families can be supported to live safely and securely.
With funding for these projects doubled since last year, 19 communities across 10 countries will benefit from the inclusive community supports these projects create, alongside the increased delivery of social and affordable housing the HFA have provided funding for.
Social and affordable housing schemes are continuing to expand and develop year on year, supported by unprecedented levels of investment from this Government and in partnership with local authorities and AHBs including the HFA. I am determined to continue this progress of housing and supports to create sustainable communities."
Announcing the funding awards, Housing Finance Agency CEO, Deirdre Collier, said:
"We're delighted to announce an expanded Social Investment Fund of €500,000, supporting 19 community projects across 10 counties. This marks a significant increase from last year, when 12 initiatives received funding, totalling €250,000. The growth of the fund reflects our commitment to helping build vibrant, inclusive communities alongside the delivery of social and affordable housing.
The Social Investment Fund is designed to complement housing developments by providing facilities and initiatives that enrich residents' quality of life. We're proud to back initiatives that promote wellbeing, encourage community engagement and support social inclusion - particularly for residents in specialist housing and underrepresented groups.
We also want to champion innovation and sustainability. By funding creative, forward-thinking projects, the HFA is helping communities to meet not only today's needs but also to plan for a more sustainable future."
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said:
"Longford County Council is delighted that the Community Garden and Allotments Project has been successful in obtaining funding from the Housing Finance Agency's 2025 Social Investment Fund. This transformative initiative will create vital green breathing spaces for Longford Town residents, particularly those in high-density housing where private outdoor access may be limited.
The project delivers multiple dividends from both an environmental and biodiversity perspective. Socially, the community garden/allotments can also help transform isolation into collaboration. Intergenerational knowledge exchange can create community bonds that high-density living often fragments, and mental wellbeing can also flourish. Economically, families gain access to fresh, nutritious produce, reducing household free costs whilst learning skills that last a lifetime.
This inclusive, community-led project perfectly aligns with Longford County Council's Climate and Biodiversity Action Plans, proving that environmental action and social cohesion grow from the same fertile ground."
