Vol. 483 No. 5
114 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the policy, if any, the Government has to facilitate and promote food growing in cities and urban areas; and whether it will develop this policy as part of its commitments to sustainable development. [20891/97.
The growing of food in cities and urban areas is a concept which I would certainly promote if such developments were necessary to deal with inadequate food supplies. Thankfully, however, food shortages are no longer a problem in Ireland. One of the main problems we now have in our urban areas, is a lack of adequate amenity, leisure and sports facilities. Therefore, I am sure the Deputy agrees that it would be more appropriate to utilise available areas for the development of such facilities.
