Killarney mulls pop-up trading idea

Killarney, in which more businesses are reported to be closing than opening, has mixed views on an American-style trading idea.

The pop-up concept allows retail businesses take a short-term lease and set up temporary enterprises.

However, there are fears existing businesses could be undermined by operators coming in “to make a quick killing”, according to Killarney mayor Sean O’Grady.

Cllr Paddy Courtney (Ind), who floated the pop-up idea, said: “Pop-up businesses could target festival times in Killarney, such as the SummerFest or Christmas... and could also be encouraged as a means of rejuvenating our laneways.”

Killarney town manager John Breen said the council already had a serious issue in collecting rates from existing businesses, adding high rents were also a deterrent to the introduction of new business locally.

The council agreed to research Mr Courtney’s call.