Lakeland Dairies has opened a new "upgraded" agri and homeware store in Lough Egish in Co. Monaghan.

The store is one of two 'Town and Country' stores operated by Lakeland. The business said the new store "significantly expands" the range of products and services available to both farmers and the wider local community.

The retail space at the store has expanded fivefold, become a "modern, fit-for-purpose store offering", Lakeland said.

The store sells feed, fertiliser, and farm inputs, with a greater offering for non-farming customers under the 'Town and Country' brand.

The investment includes the installation of solar panels across the roof of the new facility, which Lakeland Dairies said will improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental input.

Mark Delahunty, general manager for agri-business at Lakeland said, said: "This investment is about strengthening our services to farmers while also responding to growing demand from the wider community.

"By increasing the retail space and introducing the Town and Country offering, we are creating a modern, energy efficient retail store that serves both farming customers and local consumers," Delahunty said.

Lakeland Dairies chairperson Niall Matthews said: "This new store, alongside our continued agri-business developments and our state-of-the-art feed mill, reflects a clear focus on providing high-quality inputs, expert advice and modern facilities that enable farmers to operate efficiently, sustainably and profitably.

"It will serve as a valuable hub for agricultural services and the community," Matthews added.

According to Lakeland, the new Town and Country store will serve Lough Egish and the surrounding region. The expanded facility will open six days a week.

The store is one of two Town and Country stores run by Lakeland, the other being in Longford.

Lakeland Dairies Agribusiness is based at Lough Egish and is a feed manufacturer and supplier of agricultural inputs for dairy, beef and sheep farmers.

Lakeland milk price

Yesterday (Monday, April 13), Lakeland Dairies' board announced it would increase the base price for milk by 3c/L for March.

The board has agreed to pay a base price of 36.25c/L - based on 3.6% butterfat and 3.3% protein - for March milk in the Republic of Ireland which is inclusive of the 0.5c/L Sustainability Incentive Payment.

Lakeland Dairies had previously paid a base price of 33.25c/L -based on 3.6% butterfat and 3.3% protein - for February milk in the Republic of Ireland.