Rossnowlagh Farmers Market a catalyst in transforming the local economy

Rossnolwagh Farmers Market is offering a fantastic opportunity to support local producers and foster a sense of year-round community in the seaside resort.

But help and investment is needed if it is to continue to grow and flourish to its full potential.

That was the message from its founders Lisa McCorley, Faye Dinsmore and Jaime Leigh Meade, who delivered a strong presentation at the May meeting of the Municipal District (MD) of Donegal.

The three-woman team received a positive response from councillors in the MD as they outlined the social enterprise model that gives an outlet for local producers to reach local consumers with locally sourced food.

Lisa, an economist in regional development, explained how the market is already playing a big part in providing solutions to some of the unique economic challenges of Rossnowlagh. 

Traditionally, much of the money spent in Rossnowlagh goes to ice cream vans etc, and it leaves the area immediately, therefore not entering the local economy. Furthermore, because of the largely tourism based nature of business in the area, local people are being priced out of the market for property and business premises.

“It is really important that we focus on retaining wealth in the area,” said Lisa. “Our vendor fees are exceptionally low. Our focus is on ensuring that our producers retain as much wealth as possible. Our mission is to remove barriers for local people who want to trade here.”

One thing that makes the weekly market unique is the range of community events that take place in tandem, and which are funded from the stall fees. 

“The events are always free,” said Lisa. “They are cultural, educational, family-based. This is not just a trading space.”

The Rossnowlagh Farmers Market team outlined areas in which they seek support.

“We urgently need infrastructure to protect vendors, producers and visitors from the elements during the critical Easter to September season,” said Lisa.

“The friars gave us the use of the Friary Hall over the winter, but it is part of the vibe to  have the market by the seaside.

“We are asking for your support for an application under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

“We also ask that you support our application for LEADER funding for a farm food truck to be able to deliver. We went down to the Strandhill People’s Market and they said they regretted not buying a coffee van at the start. It would allow the market to have a reliable income source.”

Details were given of research by the team, and their projections.

They outlined that the market had a prime location in an area with a high volume of second homes and a local population growth of three times the national average, ie, 18% as opposed to 6%, with a notable number of young families.

Challenges include an absence of central civic space and social infrastructure, the high price of property, the amount of wealth that flowed out of the area, and lack of any new commercial infrastructure in 15-plus years. 

“With the right investment Rossnowalgh can become a leader in combining tourism, agriculture and small enterprise,” said Lisa. 

“It has the opportunity to be a regional policy exemplar in sustainable tourism, sustainable agriculture and small scale enterprise development driving local economic growth and social development.”

Rossnowlagh Farmers Market began operations in June 2024 and in less than a year it has already created a local market place for producers and consumers. It has shown Rossnowlagh to be more than just a beach on the Wild Atlantic Way, built community connections, provided income for local producers, and created a space for the community to come together and develop its sense of identity.

Based on the number of weekly visitors in the winter, shoulder and summer seasons, and their average spends, it is estimated that the market could generate between €928,000 and €2.14m. 

The social and cultural value is also notable, with around 50 events which are community-led, intergenerational, and run in collaboration with organisations such as local schools and Donegal County Council.

This all contributes to creating spaces where people feel a sense of belonging, thus building identity and resilience in the area.

Suggestions for funding of urgent infrastructure include the reallocation of €50,000  which was previously awarded to another organisation in the Rossnowlagh community. It was outlined that the way in which the other group is structured now prohibits it from receiving that funding.

Lisa said: “That original application was led by the people who are now the market organisers. We are calling for a community infrastructure project that will deliver real, inclusive benefits to Rossnowlagh.

“We propose it be spent on an extension of the existing shelter in the car park and of another temporary enclosed shelter - eg a marquee that serves the Farmers Market but remains publicly usable the rest of the time - be considered as a priority project,

“It could be used for services to be brought to the  area, eg electricity and water.”

The group outlined ideas for an indoor / outdoor space for the market, including use of containers to provide a covered area that would withstand the elements.

Faye told the councillors: “I have seen this work at other farmers markets around the country. They can be painted or cladded to look really nice.”

The team also asked that they would be part of any conversations around the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, adding: “It is about bringing all the stakeholders together.”

Other ideas included signature items such as a local breakfast bap made from local produce.

“People love shopping local but they love eating local even more,” said Faye, citing the success of the five-mile breakfast at Leghowney Hall.

Regarding a food truck, the team stressed that this would secure an income stream for the market vendors. 

Councillors congratulated the team on what had been achieved to date, and they pledged their support within the criteria of any future funding schemes.

And they agreed to explore the possibility of transferring the prior funding allocation.