A city centre rooftop has been transformed into a mini-market garden – sprouting organic vegetables, from carrots and broccoli to spinach and spuds, along with a variety of herbs and salads…and even a fig tree in the greenhouse.

Galway City Partnership’s rooftop balcony garden on the Headford Road was officially opened this week by Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary.

Situated high above Lidl and with a commanding view of the Corrib and across the city, the roof area has been transformed into an urban oasis of tasty and organic vegetables.

Galway City Partnership CEO, Linda Sice Brogan described the garden as a great example of what can be done in urban spaces and at community or business level,

“GCP wanted to demonstrate how locally produced food can reduce the carbon footprint of supply chains and show that any urban space can be transformed to provide locally grown produce,” she said.

Funded by the Community Climate Action Fund which is awarded by Galway City Council and the Department of Climate Energy and Environment, the project began in February of this year and is skilfully tended by participants on the Tús and Community Employment programmes with support from Hinterland.

Minister Calleary told the gathered that he was delighted to be performing the launch for Galway City Partnership,

“GCP are a highly effective and dynamic partner for my Department in providing social inclusion and employment services across the city. Their staff and boards have brought about momentous change and hope for people and communities for many years,” he said.

The attendance included Deputy Mayor Cllr Alan Cheevers, Deputy Chief Executive with Galway City Council, Derek Pender, Detective Inspector Fergus Gaughan, members of the Local Community Development Committee and supporters from many local partner organisations of Galway City Partnership.

Pictured: Minister Dara Calleary, Galway City Partnership CEO Linda Sice Brogan and gardener Seamus O’Donnell at the launch of the Galway City Partnership Rooftop Garden. Photo: Aengus McMahon