CLAR scheme funds farmers’ markets

FUNDING for the establishment of farmers’ markets in depopulated rural areas is to be provided under the CLAR village and countryside enhancement scheme.

Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Eamon Ó Cuiv announced the expansion of the scheme to provide the funding, which may also be used for the upgrade of existing farmers’ markets in CLAR areas.

CLAR is a programme designed to tackle the problem of depopulation, decline and lack of services in rural areas. The areas included cover parts of the counties of Connacht, Ulster and Munster as well as parts of four counties in Leinster.