TU Dublin, GAP Ireland and Fingal County Council mark three years of impact

Published: Thursday 19 March 2026 - 17:17

A community garden at TU Dublin’s Blanchardstown campus is being credited with helping drive local climate action, strengthen community ties and support wellbeing across Dublin 15.

The GLAS @ TU Dublin community garden, developed in partnership with GAP Ireland and Fingal County Council, has grown over the past three years into a shared space used by students, schools, residents and community groups.

At a celebration of the third anniversary of the community garden, garden volunteers illustrated how the initiative proves that small, local projects can deliver tangible environmental and social benefits, from biodiversity and food growing to education and community connection.

TU Dublin President Dr Deirdre Lillis said the project reflects the university’s role in supporting its surrounding communities:

“TU Dublin is dedicated to fostering positive societal change through meaningful partnerships with the communities we serve. Today we celebrate three remarkable years of the GLAS @ TU Dublin Community Garden, a collaborative initiative between TU Dublin, Fingal County Council and Global Action Plan.”

“In a short time, the garden has made a significant impact, creating a welcoming shared space for learning and community connection while offering valuable environmental education opportunities for our students, local schools and residents.”

The garden has become a focal point for hands-on learning, bringing together people of all ages to develop practical skills in growing food, supporting biodiversity and taking climate action at a local level.

Fingal County Council, which supported the initiative, said the project highlights the value of community-led approaches to sustainability.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Tom O’Leary said:

“The GLAS @ TU Dublin Community Garden embodies the very best of what community collaboration can achieve here in Dublin 15. Fingal County Council is proud to support this vibrant space where education, wellbeing and environmental stewardship come together.

Over the past three years, the garden has strengthened connections between students, residents, local schools and community groups, creating a shared resource that benefits the entire area. I warmly congratulate everyone involved for their dedication and vision, which continue to make Dublin 15 a greener, stronger and more connected community.”

The event also highlighted the role of volunteers, with 2026 marking the UN International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.

Volunteers have been central to the success of the GLAS gardens, helping to transform underused land into productive green spaces where people can grow food, restore nature and build stronger communities.

Hans Zomer, CEO of GAP Ireland, said the project shows how climate action can start at community level:

“Climate action begins with people. The community garden at TU Dublin shows what is possible when communities are trusted, supported and empowered. With access to shared green spaces and community support, people come together, build connections and develop the confidence and skills to help create a better world for everyone.”

The GLAS community gardens in Dublin - in Ballymun and Corduff - are part of a wider effort to support local climate action while improving wellbeing and social connection.