The launch of the new Ballymun farmers' market took place yesterday at the Ballymun Civic Centre in Dublin. The market, which offers organic produce, homemade jams and baked goods, as well as crafts and recycled furniture, among other things, is part of an effort to promote social and community development in the area.
While Ballymun seems an unlikely place to hold such a market, Andy Wilson, member of the Ballymun Farmers' Market Steering Committee, is hopeful about its potential effects.
"We had two markets last year, which were very successful, so we're building on that," he said.
"We hope to create a space for local groups to come and chat and circulate."
Sarah Miller, another committee member, sees the venture as a way to promote Ballymun itself.
"It's been developed to encourage people to come to Ballymun to shop," she said. "To create Ballymun as a destination. Also to give people access to good organic produce - Ballymun is redeveloping, so it would have been something that was never here before."
The market will be held in the Ballymun Civic Centre on Main Street on the first Thursday of every month, from 11.20am to 2.30pm.
Further details can be found at www.ballymunmarket.ie