Farmers' market may move to more lucrative venue
A FARMERS' market could be established in a lucrative city location to compensate traders operating at a loss in another area.
City bosses plan to allow traders already operating in Dublin 1's Smithfield to sell produce at Portobello Harbour beside the Grand Canal.
The proposal is intended to compensate the sellers who are running their businesses at a loss in Smithfield.
The Smithfield stalls -- selling fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, cheeses and other items like crepes -- are seen as crucial to Dublin City Council's bid to revamp the area.
A report written by council official Mary Weir states traders are willing to support the council's objective of rejuvenating Smithfield.
"However, in order to compensate for operating at a loss at this location due to low footfall, they have requested an opportunity to trade in a more lucrative, central location in addition to Smithfield," Ms Weir stated.
She proposed that, in order to sustain the Smithfield market, "an additional city centre location with a higher footfall be secured for the traders".
Ms Weir indicated that the "feasibility of using Portobello Harbour as an additional location" is to be examined.
"Traders have expressed an interest in extending the trading times at Smithfield later in the evening to pick up on residents returning home to the area after work."
Another market at Coppinger Row beside the city's Powerscourt shopping centre has proved to be successful.
Concerns
Ms Weir has reported that the market has been well received generally, although concerns have been expressed by one or two retailers about the possible impact on their business.
The local producers' markets at Coppinger Row and Smithfield were established on a pilot scheme basis last August.
If councillors at the local authority's arts and culture committee accept Ms Weir's recommendations, a new market will be set up at Portobello.
- Cormac Murphy
