Tuam Farmers’ Market will not be reopening after closing in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The market says it was required ‘to adapt in order to survive’ and that social distancing was going to be a responsibility they did not have the resources for.
“Some of us are now tied into other avenues that we can’t walk away from,” Tuam Farmers’ Market said in a statement.
But Galway East TD Ciarán Cannon said he is confident the market will return in the ‘not too distant future’.
He also said that he will be working with the next Minister for Agriculture to ensure that any supports required are put in place to ensure this happens “sooner rather than later”.
“I’m very sorry to hear that Tuam Farmers’ Market will not be returning to its established venue in Brownes Lane and I understand the difficulties the different producers and traders have faced since the onset of restrictions,” he said.
But the Fine Gael TD said that he is pleased to note the upbeat statement posted on behalf of vendors on social media and the commitment to continue trading in a different context.
“This is a blow to Tuam’s business environment, but I am confident that the conditions will be more favourable for a return of the market in the not too distant future and the upcoming regeneration forum should certainly discuss how the optimum conditions can be created to support producers and vendors.
“I wish to acknowledge the contribution the various businesses have made to the business and social life of Tuam town and I intend to discuss this matter with the incoming Minister for Agriculture to ensure that any supports for the horticultural sector are put in place to ensure that vendors can return to an open trading environment sooner rather than later.”
