“New stalls must bring an additional variety of attractions.”
UNDER active consideration at the moment is an extension of street trading in the city. Following on the popularity and success of the Milk Market and an expanding number of applications for street trading space, it is envisaged to create similar facilities in Bedford Row, Cruises and Nicholas Streets, Michael Street and Clancy Strand, as well as on Ellen Street.
Warning against competing against existing shops, Cllr Diarmuid Scully emphasised that new stalls must bring an additional variety of attractions.
“If we extend across the city we must be careful we do not draw away from a market centre which does work – we have a successful market quarter and I think we need to invest in that first but we must also be conscious that we have rate payers who pay rents 354 days a year and we must ensure that they are not undermined by casual trading,” he said.
Welcoming the development, which will require full ratification from the councillors, Mayor Jim Long said that established owners of city shops could also be encouraged to open temporary stalls in the market quarter.
Under consideration is new casual trading space (for an estimated 50 stalls on Ellen Street as well as a designated area for craft and artisan trading near the Milk Market.
In broadening the market area, the council must look beyond Saturday and Sunday trading, stressed Richard Rice, who represents the sectoral interest on the committee.
“What type of conversations are taking place with potential new traders,” he asked and recommended that kiosks would offer positive opportunities.
“They would act as a catalyst to get people into gourmet food and stalls should operate beyond Saturdays – however, a significant study is required.”
Welcoming moves to expand market trading, city business man, Tony Connolly nevertheless has some reservations about expansion into different areas of the city.
“I don’t think there is enough footfall in the city to sustain this and I also have concerns that counterfeit goods would be sold. However, I would really love to see an extension of the market into Ellen Street.”
Emphasising the need to ensure that an extension of casual trading would not adversely affect established retailers, Cllr Scully cautioned:
“I’d have a slight concern that we would extend it too far.”
