Cork traders join calls for new plan to save street trading tradition

Some of the longest-serving traders in Cork’s historic street market quarter have backed calls for a new strategy to save its street trading tradition from extinction.

Third and fourth-generation shop owners on Cornmarket St said City Hall needs to overhaul its entire approach to the management of the Coal Quay street market amid claims that its vision to rejuvenate its street trading tradition has failed.

They said the council’s proposals — first unveiled in 2009 — to create a thriving open-air market on the back of a €4m investment in the area which was completed in 2011 — has just not been delivered.