The first mention of allotments in Crumlin, is on March 13th 1918 when a landowner Joseph Mooney, the plaintiff, sought to prevent the Local Government Board (L.G.B.) from holding inquiries or taking actions related to the compulsory acquisition of his land for allotment  on Dark Lane, Crumlin. In the previous January,  the court had ordered Mooney to provided 27 acres in Crumlin and when the inspector visited another of his adjoining fields(15 acres), he had no choice but to take this action as it would cripple his cattle business. Mooney also asked to give 87 acres over in Cabra for allotments.

In January 1935 a branch of the Irish Allotment Holders’ Association was formed at a meeting held in the C.Y.M.S. Hall, Dolphin’s Barn. It was announced that approximately 10 acres had been secured at Crumlin for allotments and 72 applications were handed in for allotments under the Government Unemployed Scheme. Mr. W. Traynor, 7S Fownes Street, was appointed Hon. Secretary. In February a tender was invited from City Seed Merchants for the supply of seeds, manures and implements for some 300 allotments situated at Crumlin, Ballymun, Terenure and Pembroke. On February 17th 1935,  the opening of t allotment area in Crumlin at  3 p.m. took place.

In January 1937,  Provision of Allotments for the Unemployed: A Lifeline Amidst Challenges

The Acquisition of Land (Allotments) Amendment Act, 1931, was introduced to address unemployment by enabling local authorities to provide allotments at nominal rents for unemployed individuals. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture was tasked with supporting these efforts by supplying tools, seeds, and manure free of charge to ensure that those taking up the allotments had everything they needed to cultivate the land effectively.

The Corporation of Dublin has been at the forefront of this initiative, steadily increasing the number of allotments available each year. Since the Act’s inception, the Corporation provided 208 plots in 1931, 289 plots in 1932, and 350 plots in 1933.
Challenges in Expanding Allotments

Despite the success of this initiative, the Corporation has faced significant challenges in securing land for further expansion. The city’s growing demand for housing, coupled with increased land acquisition for parks and playgrounds, has limited the availability of suitable spaces for new allotments. Accessibility also remains a concern, as prospective plot-holders—many of whom are unemployed—cannot afford high transport costs to reach distant locations.
New Allotments in Crumlin and Chapelizod

After extensive efforts to identify suitable land, the Corporation has secured 301 additional plots, with 200 in Crumlin and 100 along Ballyfermot Road, Chapelizod. These locations have been chosen to ensure that the plots are reasonably accessible to the unemployed individuals they aim to support. While the long-term availability of these sites cannot be guaranteed, the Corporation is optimistic that the lands will remain in use for several years.
Eligibility and Application Process

To qualify for an allotment, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Be in receipt of unemployment insurance, unemployment assistance, or home assistance, or
Be temporarily employed on relief works.

Before the new plots can be made available for planting, several steps must be completed, including:

Verifying the eligibility of applicants,
Constructing storage huts for tools,
Marking out plots, and
Finalising contracts for the supply of seeds, manure, and equipment.

To ensure the ground is ready for cultivation in time for planting, the Corporation has emphasised the urgency of applications. The deadline for submissions is 6th February.
A Social Service of Great Value

This scheme not only supports unemployed individuals by providing an opportunity to grow their own food but also offers a broader social benefit by fostering self-reliance and community engagement. The Corporation remains committed to overcoming the challenges posed by land availability and continues to explore ways to sustain and expand this vital initiative.

PLOTS FOR DUBLIN UNEMPLOYED m EXTENDED SCHEME

Terenure and Inchicore Allotments.—

The Corporation, in co-operation with the Allotment Holders’ Association, is making arrangements to provide allotments ¦ in Terenure and Inchicore. Application forms are obtainable _d (he City Hall or from the secrutaiy of an existing allotment area. The annual meeting of allotment holders of Crumlin area wil be held on Saturday next at 7.30 p.m . in Guinness Athletic Union Pavilion. Allotment holders of Pigeon House Rd. will meet on Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Catholic Scouts’ Hall

ALLOTMENTS IN DUBLIN •

Sir,—The Executive Committee of the Irish National Garden Guild have instructed me to draw public attention to a matter which is of the utmost importance to our members and the many allotment holders in this city.

Within recent months notices have been displayed in many allotment areas, especially in Crumlin and Drimnagh districts, to the effect that the existing allotments would, perhaps, not be available next year. It is probable that plans are on hand to utilise such, areas as building sites, but such has not been stated on the notices referred to. The renewal of licences to cultivate the allotments always took place in ‘ November, but there has been no announcement so far in regard to the reason for nonrenewal or the provision of alternative lands for the dispossessed holders.

Such allotments were a dire necessity to. many, especially during the recent years of stress due to the high cost of living. Now that it is time that preparations be made for the coming season, we would welcome some statement. of policy by the responsible authority on the matter. Indeed it would be well to point” out that some areas taken- over for building in recent years were not put to the purpose as intended for. a considerable period, with the result that land otherwise necessary to the community was left derelict and growing weeds. It is imperative that something be done quickly to clarify the position, as there is but little purpose in offering allotments or lea land to peoplein the months of March and April for the use of growing vegetables, as anybody acquainted with the primary rudiments of horticulture is aware that there can be only poor prospects of success in increasing •the ..nation’s food supply and helping many struggling families to get sufficient sustenance next year.

•In the case of the provision of new allotment areas, I have also been asked to emphasise the importance and advantage in having same situated within reasonable distance of the residences of those concerned.

An early statement on a matter of this importance would be a step in the right direction.

ALBERT LONG, Secretary, Irish National Garden Guild 267 Brandon Road, Drimnagh.

Sources

• Irish Independent 1905-current, Wednesday, March 13, 1918; Page: 4
• Irish Press 1931-1995, Thursday, January 31, 1935; Page: 7
• Irish Independent 1905-current, Thursday, January 31, 1935; Page: 10
• Irish Press 1931-1995, Tuesday, February 05, 1935; Page: 2
• Evening Herald 1891-current, Friday, January 15, 1937; Page: 5
• Irish Independent 1905-current, Saturday, January 16, 1937; Page: 10
• Irish Independent 1905-current, Thursday, November 02, 1939; Page: 8
• Irish Independent 1905-current, Monday, November 06, 1939; Page: 9
• Evening Herald 1891-current, Monday, April 06, 1942; Page: 3
• Irish Independent 1905-current, Thursday, April 30, 1942; Page: 2
• Irish Independent 1905-current, Thursday, May 14, 1942; Page: 2
• Irish Press 1931-1995, Monday, May 18, 1942; Section: Front page, Page: 1
• Irish Press 1931-1995, Tuesday, December 22, 1942; Page: 3
• Irish Press 1931-1995, Monday, December 16, 1946; Page: 11

The case of Mr. Joseph Mooney, Cabra Lodge, from whom it was sought to take 25 ares at Dark Lane, Crumlin, was adjourned. Regarding the propsoal to take 3 acres from Mr. O’Bryne Kimmage Road, Mt. O Byrne said at the time of the outcry for increased milk he got a 5 years learse and through it very unfair now to take the land from him. He kept 10 milk cows.
– Irish Independent 1905-current, Wednesday, December 03, 1919; Page: 6

DEMAND FOR PLOTS Another Effort to Get Certain Lands Near Dublin

MR. HEALY. K.C.. AND VICTIMISATION IN CABRA CASE.

Further applications by tho Corporation Allotments Committee- for land were dealt _triffi by Mr. F. J. _U’Oarthj. Ij.G.B.I., at tho Oii y Ball _jrcsterdaj. In tbo _caee o/ Mr. . Joseph _Mooney, J.P. _C’tbra Lodge, from whom it was proposed to aciuiro 20 acres. Sir. J. J. Berkcry, allotments committee _eeo., said tho landa had been tho subject o£ previous investigatiou, but had not been obtained. Thore wero iSO applicants for plots in the vicinity. Witness told” Mr. T. M. Heal/, K.C., who (instructed by _ilessrs. TV. E. Shannon and Co.) was for Mr. MooneT, that the land was ancient pasture. Ho did not- know if it would by more economio to supply people with potatoes and cabbage out oi tho rates thnu pay .£1,000 compensation. Tho plotholders would not bo able to pay so much, and ho did not think tho Corporation would pay it ECONOMICALLY UNSOUND. Mr. Qcaly—Therefore, it would not be economically sound for them to take it. On iritnoss faying he believed .£2,000 a year worth o£ food would be produced on tho land, Mr. Hcaly declared thar. an extraordinary statement. To Mr. J. Eice (for tho committee) witness said he did not rend tho attacks by tho ” Eveniutr Herald ” on dairynion _trvinj; to get tho last halfpenny for milk. Mr. Ilice—I recommend it to jour attention. Mr. P. Leonard, anctioncer_, pnt tho _nnnuii’l value at -£20 an Irish acre, and said if broken up tho land would take 7 years to corao back to its present condition. Addressing Mr. J. O’Byrae, B.I *. ( .instructed _bv Messrs. Jas. O’Connor and Co.. for the _Plotliolders* Union), Mr. _Kealv suid—At a meeting in tho Theatre _Koysil you sworo you would never give buck the land obtained by this process Mr. _Bcrltery stated an arrangement was made with Itr. Vorschoylo that when land i’or building _purposes was taken from him lio was to get back land acquired for plots, whereupon Mr. Healy inquired why should Mr. _Verschoyle be so treated and Mr. Mooney oppressed? FOOTBALL FIELDS SACROSANCT. Denis _JI’Doniiel! said his plot at Kim mngo and others had been taken to build a woollen mill. Ho did not know, he told Mr. _Hoaly, about any football fields bein_^ there, but _Jlr. Ilice said tho Corporation applied for tho football fields. “Woollen wills are _saerod,” said Mr. Healy; “fool-W\U Holds ore sacrosanct. ” lie did not .’ee why a gentleman on Iho _unsgcstion of piittimt up a woollen mill _should bo let off, while Mr. Moouey was victimised.

Mr. Mooney had given up 27 acres at _Crumlin and got nothing for that, Mr Hoaly pointe<l out. On _thp eve of inquiry an offer was made of _JJ12;

* i. described as an _ex-jrratja grant. What that was in English ho did not know, but, ho ndded, amid laughter, it waa something like 9d. for id.

Tbero shonld, said Mr. Hcaly, bo a renunciation of tho _resoVitkm passed at tho Theatre Royal by the o£Boia[. head of the plotholdors that the plots would never bo given back, and no plot of ancient pasture should bo taken, vithoot _recoga’sin;? that no annual payment eonld be sufficient compeasation. _Ths attitude taken up was to take a man’s property without paying compensation. HOW _TrjE LAND IS USED.

Mr Healy produced a statement signed by over 30 users of tho _IjjhI testifying to its irreafc utility to them as butchers and dairymen. Ja3. O’Neill, butchor, Chatham St., doclarod if tl”> Iand w<_- , r0 takci ? ” would raise his expenses,: and so tond to _increaso tho price of meet. SimUar evidoneo was given by Thus. _. _Porir, Dark Lanes, Crumlin, whose opinion was that the land should be used for dairy purposes _ratlior than for prodncmir vegetables. Mr. John _51’Keown, auctioneer, estimated the annual •valne at £25 an Irish acre. If the land were _”_nlMvnttd there would l>5 a 1mb ol £4 an lal tot 20 _jears tm It returned to Its present, condition. Beplylns to Mr. Rice, be 5a)d the aellinE value was between £300 and £400 an „„, He told Mr. O’Briroj some (treat «. pert, would laj _do«n 30 J«rs aa the period _reeiulred for land to return to suclcnt _pastaro after _culfrvatlon. . , _. . . Jame3 _UuRheJ, _manncer ol the Ufa. «ated torao _wecka he had 250 alicep and lambs ana often 50 fat _rattlo. There wi._s, he informed Mr _O’Binfe. o field set apart tor dairy- cows. ONLY LAND _AVMLA.BLE. Mr Moonoy >aM there waa not. half the land (hut was required nt Cabra. There was none on the north side lor the convejiencp of butchers. _Itook for slaughter could nnt bo kept tied tip, as the? would _deteriorate. There _iyas no place where butchcra” stock could lie accommodated for tho night eicept on _hla land. 1 There was, he said, In answer to Mr. O’Bjrne, „. oH_,»r _nlafe tor 10 miles around where _stoei S,_u ” betaken ta by the night. Hn kept hi. UnS for the IMS* profitable mo ho could put ft t_£ Do held It as ol. sentimental talue. ft waa J._tT« n( _tha areas handed _donn _aa a _patrimony, «Sr) ho tiooiht it unfair it _»ht.uld be taken _ivhilc
– Irish Independent 1905-current, Wednesday, December 10, 1919; Page: 3

LAND FOR ALLOTMENTS.—J. H. ffmitli (Honth) writes:—” As nno -»_hr ha had over hall.aicenturi’_i ” _ciporionec in tuo brp» _kinE-up of old pastures in’thA rich lands of lvimerick and Co,’Dublin I” _thoroujrbly ajree with Mr._M’Kcown, -who states it -would _taYe over 20 years to brine haek such lands as-Swamp S Hill, Crumlin, il _brolscn up, to their original lit- \ tening value. After the war broke out I wrote .to I our agricultural paper, -published in.’Bublln, _snj- j _reijiiner the _breakine-up of lands, suitable for’tilUee, ‘ but cautioned people not to attempt to ¦ break: up \ our’good fattening lands, statins then Jfc – _woula ‘ talco over-20 years to brintt back ramo’ltnds to 1 thdr _original (aUenlne _proprrtits.-The Ut« Ptc _fessor Barins. of _Kcll- one ol the greatest *tith» rities on such’ _subjects, _i_?as ol_’the _saxne- ortltiloti.

Irish Independent 1905-current, Wednesday, December 17, 1919; Page: 6

Allotments

READERS’ VIEWS UNEMPLOYED PLOTHOLDERS

Sir—We wish to bring to the notice of the public the hardships inflicted on unemployed men in receipt of unemployment assistance, through the operation of the ” means test.” A member of the Irish Plotholders’ Union had his plot taken from him to facilitate the building of houses on Sundrive Road, Crumlin, when he went to work another plot he was prevented as he had not, i—mediately, the 2s. fee required for seed, tools, etc. His money was stopped (at No. 3 Hatch, Gardiner Street), on Tuesday, November 6, and a ” plot,” which he has not got, is assessed as ” means.”

How, in the meantime, is this man

to support his family? This is no isolated case, and we cannot agree that there is any justice in using such a test against men who are working plots, less than one rood in area, which they were given, it was understood, to help support their families. Mr. Derrig stated, before Recess, that there was no general dissatisfaction_, among the unemployed regarding the operation of the Unemployment Assistance Act; he dare not state that to the plotholders (of whom we can give further particulars) who daily report their grievances to us.—Yours sincerely, J. McGINN: E. O FAOLAON (Joint Secretaries) Dublin Branch, Irish Unemployed Workers’ Movement.

Irish Press 1931-1995, Friday, November 09, 1934

Saturday, March 30, 1935;

To accommodate plotholders dispossessed at Sundrive Road iri consequence of its housing, Dublin Corporation acquired eight acres on lease at Walkinstown, Crumlin. The rent payable by the plotholders’ trustees -was fixed at £S an acre. The scheme has been approved

APPEAL TO DUBLIN CORPORATION

The position of plotholders in Dublin City and County, the need for security of tenure, and an extension of the area of land for allotments were outlined in a communication by the Irish Allotment Holders’ Association to Dublin Corporation. A deputation of allotment holders from South City and County was received by a committee of the Corporation, and as a result, it was decided to prepare a detailed statement of their case.

The Association was formed in 1918 and now has a membership of almost 1,000 in the city and county. It succeeded in inducing the Government to pass a permanent Allotments Act in 1926.

In their communication to the Corporation, the Association explained that, with the co-operation of the Corporation and the Government, they have made available an additional number of allotments practically every year since 1920. The additional numbers each year were as follows:

• 1926: 163 plots
• 1927: 68 plots
• 1928: 67 plots
• 1932: 371 plots
• 1933: 252 plots
• 1934: 91 plots
• 1935: 66 plots
• 1936: 79 plots

WORK OF THE ASSOCIATION
Prior to 1926, there were about 300 plots. The additions should have resulted in a total of 1,046 plots, but there are only 1,050 plots now, due to some areas being acquired for other purposes. For instance, 120 plotholders were displaced at Model Farm, Drumcondra; 63 at Lea Road, Sandymount; 40 at Byrne’s Fields; 91 at Sundrive Road, Crumlin; and 93 at Willowmount, Terenure.

The plots at Islandbridge were taken to make way for the War Memorial Park. The plots at Sundrive Road were partially taken for street widening and partially for housing. Other areas were acquired entirely for housing purposes. At Lea Road and Sundrive Road, however, no housing has yet taken place.

Since 1934, the Association has co-operated with the Government and the Corporation in providing allotments for the unemployed, and at present, 359 unemployed persons are benefiting from this scheme. The Association is purely a voluntary body, and its sole income is a membership fee of 6d from each plotholder.

CLASSES WHO BENEFIT
The plotholders can be roughly divided into four classes:

1. Unemployed who are benefiting from the special Government scheme.
2. Men advanced in life with small pensions or disability allowances of 7/6 or 10/-, many of whose children are currently unemployed.
3. A very limited number who enjoy comparatively good wages, such as employees of Messrs Guinness, the Gardaí, and lower-paid civil servants.
4. The vast majority are men in casual work or, if in fairly constant employment, their wages are small.

In addition to these economic benefits, the movement also serves as a social initiative. It takes men from tenement rooms and small cottages out into the fresh air, provides them with social amenities through discussions and meetings with fellow plotholders, and acts as the equivalent of tennis, golf, or other sports enjoyed by their better-off neighbours.

Irish Independent 1905-current, Tuesday, June 16, 1936; Page: 7

A month’s imprisonment was imposed by Mr. Lennon, D.J.. Dublin District Court Francis Barnes, Cathedral, a Kevin St., who was summoned for damaging with intent to steal six head of cabbage value 1/-. from an aIlotment at Brickfield. Crumlin. Guard P. McTiernan said that he was working on his own allotment on January 25 when he saw the defendant leave his (Barnes’) allotment and go into an allotment beside his own where he picked six heads of cabbages. Defendant admitted that he was caught and that his wife liked cabbage. Michael Leddy said that he owns the cabbage. The Justice, imposing the sentence said that this type of stealing must be ceased.