FRS Training has inaugurated a regional training location at the Longford Westmeath Farmers Mart in Ballymahon to provide critical agricultural and health and safety education to farmers and workers in the area, Ireland Live reported.

The new facility has already hosted courses in ATV/Quad driving, pesticide use, and chainsaw operation, with additional sessions scheduled through March. All farmers attending pesticide spraying courses receive a Pesticide Usage (PU) number, while the chainsaw course covers correct use, maintenance, and safety practices.

Ben Fearn, Head of Sales and Operations at FRS Training, said, “This venue will be a focal point of key education and training for farmers and other workers especially due to the dangerous nature of the profession. Confidence in using equipment is vital to safety on farms, and we make sure that our courses provide the most up-to-date advice on all makes of equipment in an engaging and informative way.”

The facility comes as farm safety remains a pressing concern: since 2014, 38% of Irish workplace fatalities occurred on farms, despite the industry accounting for just 11% of the workforce. The Ballymahon site is part of FRS Training’s wider network, which now covers over 50 venues across Ireland, aiming to increase worker competence and reduce on-farm accidents.

In addition to training, FRS Farm Services is recruiting nine farm operators in Ballyjamesduff, serving Cavan, Longford, and Westmeath. Roles include milking, calf rearing, night calving, animal husbandry, machinery work, and general farm duties. Positions offer flexible hours, PRSI, holiday pay, and sick pay, with potential earnings of €10,000 over a three-month period.

Discover the full details on the health and safety courses and job opportunities at Ballymahon in the complete report.