Belfast City Council has agreed to investigate setting up a formal system for donating healthy plants uprooted in public parks to community gardens and residents. An elected member decision ratified this week instructs officials to examine how such a redistribution scheme could work.

At present, plants removed from parks, including those from high-profile locations like Botanic Gardens, are sent for green waste composting. The process applies not only to dead annuals but also to perennials and bulbs that could continue growing if replanted.

The proposal came from SDLP Councillor Gary Mckeown. He told the People and Communities Committee that constituents had reported seeing plants being discarded and sometimes taking them for use in local projects. He noted that many of the plants, including roses and bulbs, could thrive for years if given a second chance.

Mckeown requested that officials produce a paper outlining the current disposal process. He argued that allowing the public to collect plants destined for composting would support the council's work to improve alleyways and other community spaces, at no cost.

The council's move follows other efforts to reimage the city, including work in the entries. No timeline for the feasibility study has been given.