Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has encouraged organisers of food and artisan markets in Roscommon to apply for new Government funding.
“I welcome the announcement of this total funding of €330,000 by Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney and Minister of State Ann Phelan,” he said.
The funding is being made available under the CEDRA Rural Innovation and Development Fund for both community based markets for food/artisan produce along with existing social farming operations.
These two schemes are being advertised nationally in local papers.
“This funding programme will provide a great boost for community based markets across Roscommon,” said Deputy Feighan.
“The scheme is open to all rural towns and villages with populations of up to 10,000 and offers potential funding of between €5,000-10,000 for development of existing or start-up local food and artisan markets.
“Those who are producing food and artisan products within their local communities deserve our support.
“This is the type of project which supports rural development in a very practical way, as it helps stimulate commercial and retail activity in rural high streets.
“It also helps to develop a strong sense of community involvement and achievement. Almost 200,000 people are employed in tourism and 8,000 additional jobs will be created in 2015. “
Application forms and fuller schemes details can be found on the Department of Agriculture’s website (Agriculture.gov.ie).
The closing date is August 14.
