Darina supports traders in Clonakilty market dispute

OPEN air markets champion Darina Allen has backed traders who face prosecution after defying a town council to hold a market without a licence.

The renowned chef said the proposed Clonakilty market in west Cork — which has sparked controversy over its location — would bring huge benefits to the country’s first fair trade town.

Traders had been warned they would face prosecution and possible arrest if they proceeded to trade without a casual trading licence in a car park in the town centre.

But about 10 traders yesterday decided to defy the council and exercise what they say are ancient market rights to set up their stalls.

The market was buzzing throughout the morning.

Town clerk Justin Clarke took the names and addresses of all stall operators. A council spokesman said prosecutions may follow.

He said the market was not a designated area and it is the council’s view that the traders had breached the Casual Trading Act.

However, Gerard Kelleher, heading the project, said they are not satisfied that those ancient rights have been extinguished.

“We are not looking for an unregulated free-for-all market and would welcome careful, proper management,” he said.

“We believe that if the council were to open their eyes to the benefits that a market can bring to the town people, Clonakilty could have one of the best markets in the country.”

He said the market will be suspended for the coming weeks and invited people to attend a public meeting on the issue at 8pm in O’Donovan’s Hotel on Tuesday, August 19.

It is understood efforts are under way behind the scenes to resolve the issue.

Ms Allen, who browsed the stalls, welcomed the public consultation which she said was key to establishing the popular Midleton market nine years ago.

With 30 stalls every Saturday and a waiting list of almost 50, it is one of the most successful open air markets in the country.

“The experience of markets, not just in Ireland, but in the UK and on the continent, is that where there is a really vibrant market in a town it really enhances all the business in the town,” she said.

“We have research which shows that markets boost a town’s business by between 18% to 36%.

“The experience in Midleton is that both smaller shops and supermarkets would say their increase in turnover is more than that.

“It’s a similar experience in Mahon Point where there was an increase in footfall of over 40% since the market started there on Thursdays.”

But local Londis shop owner, Cllr Peter Walsh, who is also head of Clonakilty Business Association, said the market is taking up valuable parking spaces and is undermining the rate collection capacity of the council.

He stressed his comments were made in a personal capacity.

“Although you may feel that it may not pose competition to your businesses directly, the precedent set today may encourage others to follow,” he said in a letter to other businesses in the town,” he said.

“Anyone who tells you that this market will bring business to town is misleading you.”