KILDARE: Farmers Market will be supported - but 'the public must come if it's to survive'
Plans are being made to ensure that the Naas Farmers Market prospers.
The level of interest among stall holders in setting up shop at the market - set in the the most historic quarter of the town - has fluctuated since it opened at the old potato market site in November 2022,
The price structure used by council to attract traders is to be reviewed with a view to keeping it competitive, Kildare County Council official Eoghan Ryan said.
He also said that the market, which opens between 10am and 3pm on Saturdays, will be promoted on social media platforms.
A manager has been appointed to liaise with tenants and the venue will also be open to use by community groups on days when the market is not open.
Naas councillor Anne Breen said the market, situated in the shadow of St David’s Castle which itself was a Norman stronghold in the 13th and 14th centuries, had a successful relaunch but some stall holders had left.
Mr Ryan conceded that a number of traders had departed including some who would “not be what you would expect to see there” and at times the footfall “has not been there”
He also said that not enough promotional work had been undertaken in the background.
Kildare County Council has also pointed out that the venue is for both community and cultural use as well.
The space was vacant and over-grown for many years before the council engaged with the owners, secured a lease and secured funding for conservation works. The space has been used for a number of events throughout the year, including St. Brigid’s Day/Brigid 1500, St. Patrick’s Day, the Wild Food Festival and the Liam O’Flynn Feile.
Mr Ryan said when it opened in November 2023 it was “at or near capacity” and while numbers declined, there is renewed interest from stall holders and the council continues to get enquiries.
He noted that the council met with the stall holders to explore how, collectively, “we can support and promote the market and a list of action points was formulated and these are being implemented and include, temporary signage erected on approach roads (which are in place), signage at the gate (ordered with temporary signage in place), a number of brown tourist signs, some of which have gone up.
The council have recently advertised on MAST (Markets Alive Support Team Ltd) – the main insurance provider for stall holders in Ireland.
“Once we reach a critical threshold, we intend to have a formal official opening and the council’s communications team will develop a communications strategy around the event.”
Ultimately though, he said, it is up to the community to support the market if they wish to see it continue.