Market traders unite to resist rent proposals

TRADERS in one of the country’s most historic food markets said they will fight plans tonight to almost double rents over the next three years.

Business owners in Cork’s historic English Market said the significant rent increases, which will be proposed by city manager Joe Gavin at tonight’s council meeting, will put the very tradition of the city-owned market in jeopardy.

Most of the market’s 42 tenants — the older and more established businesses — pay an annual rent of between €8 and €10 per square foot.