Food-only farmers’ market discussion

Food-only farmers’ market discussion

10 May 2017

PLANS for a new monthly farmers’ food market in Downpatrick are to be discussed by local politicians later this month.

The proposal was tabled at last week’s meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down Council but was referred to the local authority’s Economic, Regeneration and Tourism Committee for further debate.

A number of politicians are keen to see the market established and believe it could enjoy similar success as the one in Comber which attracts around 2,000 additional shoppers to the town each month.

Rowallane councillor, Patrick Brown, hopes the local authority will recognise the positive impact local farmer and artisan markets can have on the local economy, tourism, small business and agri-food sectors. 

Proposing Downpatrick should have a farmers’ market, councillor Brown is hoping council officials will consult with local food providers and prepare a business case on the viability of a new monthly market which he suggested could be held at St Patrick’s Square.

“A number of local producers are keen to see an initiative of this kind in Downpatrick, with the market providing an opportunity to showcase everything from coffee to cheese, to mussels and Dexter beef and award-winning cider and homemade desserts. A monthly market would give local people a greater insight into the growing artisan food movement in the area,” explained Councillor Brown.

The Rowallane politician, who has discussed his idea with Ards and North Down councillor Deborah Girvan who played a key role in helping establish the monthly farmers’ market in Comber, said there is currently a growth in food markets.

“I think it’s time the Downpatrick area had something similar. In my mind, this would be a food-only farmers’ market where local vendors, using only local, fresh produce, would have several stalls in the town centre, perhaps once a month on a Friday or Saturday evening, possibly in Millennium Square,” continued Councillor Brown.

“I have no doubt this sort of event could be beneficial not just for local food producers, but also the overall regeneration of Downpatrick. I am sure many people from across the district would travel into the town and spend time in a location which historically had a thriving market but currently has little to offer visitors in the way of an attractive food and dining experience.”

Councillor Brown believes if the farmers’ market was held in the evening, it could help develop Downpatrick’s night time economy, providing a boost to existing businesses.

His motion was seconded by Councillor Cadogan Enright, and the issue will be debated at the next meeting of the local authority’s Economic, Regeneration and Tourism Committee.

“St Patrick’s Square would be an ideal location for a farmers’ market. I have been approached by a number of businesses at this part of the town who have complained the existing market ‘has lost its purpose’ and blocks their businesses,” he continued.

“They believe something that will bring extra trade to the town would be a much bigger boost for business ratepayers. This market is something that will not happen overnight but I am buoyed that these types of market all over Ireland have been very successful and can be in Downpatrick.”