Athy Market bye-laws set for October meeting

ATHY will have greater clarity on the future of its traditional market place next month, when Kildare County Council bring the results of a public consultation and advice to the Municipal District meeting on 20 October.

“The council can confirm that details for casual trading bye-laws can be viewed online on Kildare County Council's consultation portal, (however) as the consultation period is ongoing, it would be premature to comment on matters regarding “difficulties with the market” said a council spokesperson.

“The consultation period ends on Tuesday (9 September) and it is anticipated that this item of business will be presented to elected officials at the Athy Municipal District meeting on 20 October."

Local Labour councillor Mark Leigh said: “The market has become a free-for-all, anyone can rock up with a van and throw a tarp down, and do what they like.

“We’re recommending a small fee be paid by stall-holders at the beginning of the year, something like €208 a year, or €4 per week.

“We’re looking to make another bye-law to get it open on the weekends, to hold a farmers’ and craft market.

“We’ve applied for the road closure for a full year for the Tuesday morning, to allow traders park their vans outside O’Brien’s shop rather than up on the new work.

“The Carlow road is now one way.

“The submissions close on 9 September, and the next Municipal District meeting is on 15 September (Monday).

“We are all in agreement, and we’re not to denigrate the market, but to help it survive and to open a Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.

“We had one for a few years, but it didn’t survive the Pandemic.

“It’s a kind of sinister issue with some people thinking we’re trying to stop the heritage of Athy, but the Market is here to stay.

“It’s important to say, some traders were looking for these changes too."