Archive for the 'Farmers markets' Category

FROM MEETING COMMUTERS AT DONABATE STATION TO LAUNCHING NATIONAL MANIFESTO WITH CANVASSING AND MAKING TEA IN BETWEEN

Published 12 February, 2011 Balbriggan , Climate change , Donabate , Election , Farmers markets , Fingal news , Politics , Swords Closed

Friday, 12 February, 2011

Hectic day, but very interesting. Began with  Donabate Green volunteers, Jim, Rita, Roger at the Train Station meeting commuters from 7am onwards. The leaflet, Commuter flier Jan 2011 highlights my own efforts and successes in improving the transport infrastructure of Dublin North.

Headed to Balbriggan Farmers’ Market which is set up on George’s Square every Friday from 9am to 2pm. I like to provide free tea and coffee to stallholders so as to keep their spirits up while then serve the community in all weathers. The colour and vibrancy of the market brings people to the centre of the town and this benefits other shopkeepers and traders like the hotel and coffee shops in the town.

Did an interview then with Robin Kiely of the Fingal Independent in the Grand Hotel, Malahide before heading out to canvass a few doors locally along the Swords Road. Then headed for the RHA Gallery in Ely Place, Dublin 2, for the Green Party / Comhaontas Glas Manifesto. Straightforward enough with job creation and preparing the country to be free of oil dependency by 2030 being the short and long-term focuses.

Evening canvass was in Swords Manor area of Swords. Serious situations for many families with negative equity. Had many chats with people about experiences and challenges in establishing new business ideas. Difficult as the changes in tax were to encourage greater fuel efficiencies, many residents understand that leadership in a Green direction is needed to develop the new Greener economy. Given I am fighting for that last seat, I am asking voters to help me to help them by giving SARGENT No. 1 in two weeks time on Friday 25th, Polling Day.

Campaign Update – Day 8

Published 9 February, 2011 Election , Farmers markets , Fingal news , Politics , Rush , Swords Closed

Wednesday, 9 February 2011.

Today, in Rush, Trevor urges the people of this north Co. Dublin town to support the development of a local farmers’ market.

This broadcast, delivered as Gaeige, was simultaneously recorded by Raidió na Gaeltachta.

NEXT OBJECTIVES: FARMERS’ MARKETS FOR RUSH AND SWORDS

Published 9 February, 2011 Fingal news , Rush , Farmers markets , Community , Election Closed

Wednesday, 9 February, 2011

Morning spent designing newspaper advertisements. Good to let people know what I and the Green Party have done. Also good to support local businesses, of which local newpapers are an important part. Then met Green canvassing volunteers in Rush across from Millbank Theatre. Berní Ní Chuinn ó Raidió na Gaeltachta, a bhí ann freisin. Dhein sí taifead ar chúpla comhrá ag dul ó dhoras go doras liomsa. Bhuaileamar isteach ar Ghaelscoil Ros Eo freisin agus bhí píosa deas cainte againn le Sinéad, an  Príomhoide,   agus rang a haon agus a dó faoin bhfoirgneamh nua atá de dhith ar phobal na scoile.

In discussion with a student who was looking for work, we were exploring options. An idea I have is to develop a local market which primarily but not exclusively gives local growers a ‘shop window’ for the excellent fruit, veg and herbs grown in and around Rush. One woman lamented that she knew of great produce grown locally but could not find the same produce in the shops she visited locally.

If you wish to see this Farmers’ Market idea developed in Rush, please do register your interest by completing the survey here. Meanwhile, I have many other issues to work on from the canvass such as school places and building works, roadworks, housing needs and repairs and facilities to run a karate club.

Now off to Swords for the evening canvass and to let people know I’ll be in Swords again tomorrow afternoon with Green Party Leader, An Ceannaire John Gormley. His work in providing resources to open the expanded libraries in Rush and Malahide is certainly appreciated locally.

GOOD INTEREST IN GREEN ALLOTMENT SURVEY WHILE DOING THE ROUNDS IN SKERRIES – SECOND WEEK IN DECEMBER 2009

Published 9 December, 2009 Allotments , Farmers markets , Skerries Closed
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Minister Trevor Sargent as a Dublin North TD was doing his rounds mainly in Skerries over  the  weekend.  Many issues were discussed on the doors including the long awaited construction of a proper path across the Ballast Pit, electrification of the railway for an extended DART service, the Farmers’ Market in the Mills each Saturday 10am – 4pm, allotment demand in Skerries, home energy grants and the ways to replace jobs lost like those at SR Technics. Reporting on his rounds in Skerries, Minister Sargent said:

Martin Tobin, General Manager of ERP with Green Party Minister Sargent at the free WEEE recycling day in Skerries

“Weather cold but dry. No wind so ideal for walking and talking. In the times available, we got to Kelly’s Bay, Selskar, Downside, Hillside Gardens and Skerries Rock. Thanks to Diarmuid, Brian, Don, Paul, George and Ciarán for turning out as well. As we say ‘as Gaeilge’, ‘giorrann beirt bóthar’ (two people shorten a road), so a few Green colleagues together helping out makes time fly.

Some exceptional and very friendly people live in Kelly’s Bay. One such person in Lynette Kelly who is busy with her own family as well as her own floral design business www.littledaisy.net or call 086 3809 172. Notwithstanding all that, Lynette is keen to help those suffering at present as a result of devastating floods in Ireland during November. The Red Cross has now a store of clothing etc. but needs financial assistance www.redcross.ie. Meanwhile I spoke with Mr Willi Ruiter, a farmer near Ashbourne who is another compassionate citizen. Willi has been co-ordinating animal fodder assistance for farms in places like Ballinasloe where floods have been devastating.

I have decided to fundraise for relief of flood victims having been inspired by people like Lynette and Willi. I am starting with the proceeds of the annual raffle I host at the Dail dinner next Monday, 14th December 2009 at 6.30pm. Phone my office 01 8900360 for details.

Other issues raised in Selskar were the prospect of GAA supporters and players being stung for a parking charge along the road beside the Harps GAA juvenile pitch. I am working with the Council to have a concession in this case.

Another related Council matter is the roar of road noise for residents caused by the corrugated concrete road surface which may be resurfaced in future. I’m checking this out.

I met many fellow rail commuters who are also aggrieved by the disimproved new timetable. I’m working on this with Iarnród Éireann management as I am with the Council to have desire lines (where mud tracks have been worn) paved for those walking from Hillside Gardens to and from the station.

Below on this website is a pie chart giving the results of our Skerries Allotment Survey. A number of possible sites proved popular. One earmarked site is behind Hillside Gardens off the Golf Links Road. This is seen by senior officials in the Council as better draining and less prone to vandalism than the more central Skerries Mills, while still being within walking distance for many Skerries allotment enthusiasts. Your views on this latest position or any other thoughts are still welcome perhaps by logging on to www.trevorskitchengarden.ie where you can also leave comments.

People in Skerries Rock are wondering who asked for a sign to be erected on the footpath opposite their estate entrance. The sign tells people exiting Skerries Rock that they should turn right if they are they are going to …. (wait for it) … Skerries! The sign also says go left for Balbriggan! Monty Python would be proud of a sketch explaining the logic of that initiative. Moreover, the sign now impedes those pushing buggies. Meanwhile NO footpath exists on the opposite side of the road for a dangerous few metres where people living in Skerries Rock have to continue walking on the road or risk crossing the road to find another path …. before they are blocked by the famous sign!  Discussions with colleagues in the Council are planned shortly to get  the missing footpath built first of all.

I have been enquiring about the Supervalu planning application F09/0580 which is greatly upsetting the school community of St. Patrick’s Junior NS amongst many people. I have spoken with Fingal Planning Department about this and feel a less dense development with some community gain, such as sheltered housing, might represent good development but the current proposal is not acceptable.

Quite a number of homes I called to had been affected by unemployment. Some had depended on SR Technics, the Swiss company at Dublin Airport. The fall out from their exodus from Ireland continues with unresolved pension issues and the quest for alternative employment in aviation with Dublin Aerospace etc.

In the face of despair, it was inspiring to meet the bold and the brave embarking on new ventures such as the stallholders at Skerries Farmers’ Market. Apart from the expected diversity of fresh and cooked produce, preserves and ready to eat foods, I was impressed to also meet Anna Maria Brady who was taking orders for exotic delicious Indian dishes made to order for dining at home. I tasted the samples and was most impressed. I have since ordered a meal as I love Indian cuisine. You can contact Anna Maria of ‘Padayachees Curry Delights’ in Skerries by phoning 087 685 44 18. Please give one day’s notice as everything is cooked fresh.”

- Balbriggan Market Receives Award

Published 29 October, 2009 Balbriggan , Farmers markets Closed
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MINISTER SARGENT PRESENTS ‘GOOD PRACTICE STANDARD’ TO BALBRIGGAN FISH & FARMERS’ MARKET

Minister for Food and Horticulture Trevor Sargent TD, presented a ‘Bord Bia Good Practice Standard’ to Balbriggan Fish and Farmers’ Market on Friday 23rd October.

BB Market
Cllr. Ciarán Byrne (Mayor of Fingal), Trevor Sargent TD, Minister for Food & Horticulture, Michael Grimes (Market Coordinator) and Cllr. Monica Harford (Cathaoirleach of Balbriggan Town Council)

He continued, ‘Community based markets such as this are a vital way for producers to access their customers. The absence of Farmers’ markets in the past has resulted in the number of people involved in agriculture falling year by year. In 1980 there were 1,220 growers of fruit and vegetables in Ireland.  In 1990 that number had fallen to 780. In 2000 there were 540 and today there are just 280 left. Unless we have farmers’ markets that number will continue to fall.’

Note: Balbriggan Fish and Farmers’ Market takes place every Friday from 9.00am to 2.00pm. It has moved indoors from Georges Square to the Combined Clubs Community Centre on Dublin Street for the winter months. The market has proved a great success since its opening last June offering fresh fish, fruit, vegetables (including organic), home baking, award winning cheeses, organic eggs, Irish honey, juices, flowers and potted plants.

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- Balbriggan Market to receive National Award

Published 21 October, 2009 Balbriggan , Farmers markets , Fingal news Closed

21 October 2009

Minister for Food and Horticulture Trevor Sargent, TD for Dublin North, will present the ‘Bord Bia Good Practice Standard’ to the Balbriggan Fish & Farmers’ Market at noon on Friday, 23 October.

The presentation will take place in the Combined Clubs Community Centre, Dublin Street, Balbriggan where the market recently relocated for the winter months.good-practice-logo

Balbriggan Fish & Farmers’ Market, supported by the local Chamber of Commerce, Town Council and County Council, has proved a great success since its opening in June. The market offers a very full range including fresh fish, fruit, vegetables (including organic), home baking, award winning cheeses, organic eggs, Irish honey, juices, flowers and potted plants. Under the watchful eye of coordinator, Michael Grimes, standards have been kept very high. So high, in fact, that Minister Trevor Sargent TD will be presenting the market with this inaugural award on Friday.

Balbriggan Fish and Farmers’ Market takes place every Friday from 9.00am to 2.00pm.  There are only two markets in the Dublin area being awarded this year and Balbriggan is the only one north of the Liffey. This award is only made to farmers’ markets that offer quality produce, clear pricing and most importantly impeccable food safety. A substantial proportion of the food must come from local producers.

Everyone is welcome to attend this prestigious event. Visitors are advised to get there early.

Friday 23rd October – 12 noon – Combined Clubs Community Centre, Balbriggan.

- Out and About in Fingal

Published 21 July, 2009 Community , Farmers markets , Fingal news , Malahide , Swords Closed

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Balbriggan Fish and Farmers’ Market a Huge Success

Published 29 June, 2009 Balbriggan , Farmers markets Closed
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29 June 2009

Traders report very brisk business at inaugural day of new market, customers very happy.

overview

Balbriggan’s new Fish and Farmers’ market opened for the first time on Friday last (the 26th). The ideal weather helped to make it a hugely sucessful event, with many of the stall holders reporting that they had been completely sold out. All reported a very busy day with a brisk trade.

One of the innovative features of the market is a facility for small-scale food producers to sell surplus produce using a supplied basket costing only €2 (with a €5 refundable deposit). This proved very popular. Speaking during the day, Trevor Sargent TD said, “It’s great to see so many people here at the market but it shouldn’t be a surprise. Balbriggan folk have a keen sense of a good deal and the produce on offer here is first rate at very reasonable prices. This market brings together the best that the area can offer and presents it in a very accessible way. I hope and expect the market will continue to thrive. A lot of hard work has gone into getting it set up and it shows in the result.“

The market will operate every Friday from 10.00am to 3.00 pm in The Square, Balbriggan. The photographs  give some idea of the atmosphere on the day.

Scenes from Balbriggan Fish and Farmers' Market

Scenes from Balbriggan Fish and Farmers' Market (Image: C.Finn)

- Balbriggan Fish and Farmer’s Market Opening

Published 17 June, 2009 Balbriggan , Farmers markets , Fingal news Closed
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Trevor Sargent has called on all local garden food producers to check out an opportunity to sell surplus at the new Balbriggan Fish and Farmers’ Market.

Balbriggan FFM Notice

The opening of Balbriggan Fish and Farmers’ Market in George’s Square from 10am. to 3pm. this Friday is historic in many ways:

  • ­This is a community food market that puts food from the sea on a par with food from the land, reflecting the motto of Fingal County Council “Flúirse Talaimh is Mara” (“Rich in Land and Sea”).
  • ­This producers’ food market is supported by Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce as well as Balbriggan Town Council and Fingal County Council.
  • ­The new Fish and Farmers’ Market not only supports existing farmers, fishermen and artisan food producers but seeks also to stimulate new local employment opportunities and foster community development by facilitating local food producers regardless of scale. For example, food and flower produce from back gardens can be sold by a gardener at the market. Once a Balbriggan Fish and Farmers’ Market produce display basket is hired on the day for €2 (plus a €5 refundable deposit), the basket can be filled by the gardener with her or his produce.

For more information contact the Balbriggan Fish and Farmers’ Market co-ordinator, Michael Grimes on (01) 8413100 or via email to creativeideas@eircom.net

Some photographs of the market being set up on it’s opening day. All photos coutesy C.Finn.

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Greens launch allotment and community garden plan in Bloom’s ‘Obama Garden’

Published 29 May, 2009 Farmers markets Closed
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29 May 2009

Food Minister Trevor Sargent boosts farmers’ markets and is determined to get more people growing


-Allotments officer for local authorities
-Development plans to include growing ground
-Easier access to farmers’ markets

Food Minister Trevor Sargent today said he was determined to encourage more Irish people to grow their own food. At the same time Minister Sargent also launched a plan to boost confidence in Farmers’ Markets.

Minister Sargent, was speaking as he launched two key initiatives today [Friday May 29] at the new Obama Garden, – a model of Michelle Obama’s White House organic garden – in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.

Minister Sargent said: “The phenomenal demand for allotments and the unprecedented sales of vegetable seeds indicate that there is effectively a food revolution taking place in the country. The spin-off benefits include healthier communities and greater resilience in the face of the recession and shortage of oil and food internationally.

“I have been working closely with Green Party Leader and Environment Minister John Gormley to increase the numbers of people growing food at home and on allotments. Moves include an allotment officer for local authorities, targeted development plans to provide land for growing food in the community, easier access and guidelines for farmers’ markets and books and guides on how to grow your own food.”

Farmers’ markets

Minster Sargent also launched a ‘Best Practice for Farmers’ Markets’. New guidelines will include a green flag system to encourage higher standards at markets. The voluntary guidelines will focus on what a Farmers’ Market should be. If produce is to be identified as local, it must be grown either in the county of the market or in an adjoining county. To signify the local character of the market, at least 50% of the produce on sale must qualify as being of local origin. With prepared food such as jam or a cake, at least one of the ingredients should be local. The farmers’ market best practice flag will offer the public a national accreditation standard for their local Farmers’ Market. Stallholders will benefit from greater confidence, local pride and higher profile.

Minister Sargent speaking at the launch of the new Farmer's Market flag scheme

Minister Sargent speaking at the launch of the new Farmer's Market flag scheme

Minister Sargent said there are over 140 farmers’ markets in Ireland and he has been working closely with local authorities to increase this number. He welcomed a recent initiative by Green Party Bye-Election candidate in Dublin South Elizabeth Davidson who negotiated free stalls for community garden and allotment holders to sell their produce at local markets.

Minister Sargent said the Party’s ‘Get Ireland Growing’ campaign generated huge interest, with Green Party candidates getting a very positive reaction on the doors. “Many people remember their parents growing food in the garden, while others remember ‘plots’ or allotments in the community. There are many benefits to having allotments on public ground. Anti-social behaviour is often reduced where tended allotments are put in on waste ground. In this time of recession, people are trying to save money and may have more time to devote to community work, gardening and food growing.”

Minister Sargent today jointly launched the Whitehouse Garden in the Phoenix Park with the US Charge d’Affaires Mr. Robert J. Faucher at the Bloom Festival in the Phoenix Park. The garden is modeled on the First Lady Michelle Obama’s organic garden in the Whitehouse.

The Green Party’s plan includes:

An Allotments Officer for local authorities
Minister Sargent said: “For the bigger local authorities, such as the City Councils, we will look to provide an allotments officer who will work to ensure the provision of adequate land resources for allotments and community gardens. This position would compare to the role of a heritage officer or a housing officer and could operate on a part-time basis.”

Development plans to include growing ground
Minister Sargent said: “In the past, local authority development plans have often overlooked the necessary green space to provide for good growing ground. I am working with Green Party Leader and Environment Minister John Gormley to ensure local authorities take into consideration and provide for green space to allow communities come together and grow their own food. I am hopeful that State bodies such as Teagasc, could advise local authorities on where to place plots and gardens.

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