From two weeks’ time, vendors must pay two euro a week, or one hundred euro a year, for a trading permit, as well as hold public liability insurance, according to Athy Labour Cllr Mark Leigh.
Traders at Athy’s Tuesday market say new council charges will force many of them to leave.
From two weeks’ time, vendors must pay two euro a week, or one hundred euro a year, for a trading permit, as well as hold public liability insurance, according to Athy Labour Cllr Mark Leigh.
Stallholders warn the added costs will reduce the number of traders, cut footfall in the square and impact surrounding shops and restaurants that depend on market-day business.
The council says the fees are needed to help the market flourish, with possible plans to provide additional opening hours. Plans have also been discussed to open the market on a Saturday - possibly as a farmer's market.
Speaking to Kfm, Labour Councillor Mark Leigh said he supports efforts to develop the market but, in his consultation submission, he said insurance should be included in the annual fee so traders are not priced out.
He said the charges are essential to "evolve" the market.
The changes take effect in two weeks and Kfm understands that many traders do not plan to renew their permit, with many threatening to withdraw.
Trader Alan Ó Mordha said traders at the Tuesday market have received formal notice that charges will begin in two weeks, and claims stallholders will refuse to pay.
He warned that if traders leave, the market could disappear entirely, removing a key reason for people to visit the square. He said this will damage local businesses that rely on market-day trade.
He said the decision will be harmful to both shoppers and nearby restaurants and shops.
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