Organisers of markets selling food and artisan products are being encouraged to apply for new government funding.
The scheme is open to all rural towns and villages with populations of up to 10,000 and offers potential funding of between €5000 to €10,000.
The funding, if achieved, is to go towards the development of existing or start-up local food and artisan markets.
In encouraging organisations to avail of this funding, Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Tom Hayes said it is one of the most practical ways to assist in rural development.
Application details can be found on the Department of Agriculture website.
