Kenmare traders set for life under new bye-laws

Traders set to relocate around park after three-day court hearing

FOLLOWING almost five years of legal wrangling, a bitter dispute over casual trading in Kenmare could be drawing to a close after new bye laws were approved in the district court this week.

Following five detailed appeals concerning Kerry County Council’s (KCC) draft bye-laws, Judge James O’Connor yesterday approved a list of bye-laws subject to conditions, which he will sign off on when drawn up.

Despite opposing a move from their current spots, market traders will now have to relocate to 29 bays around the town’s park. They will, though, be allowed to trade from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on certain days designated by the council.

When the bye-laws are enacted, anyone now seeking a licence will have to apply to KCC at least 30 days in advance and would be assigned a specific bay at a cost of €15-per-day.

It was agreed in court that, in cases of under-subscription, a trader could avail of one additional adjacent bay at an overall cost of €50 per day

The draft bye-laws were created following a 12-month review into the town’s casual trading by council management and local groups. Trading in the town has been unregulated until now.

The court heard that changes in traffic management to enact the changes could cost in the region of €95,000.

Solicitor Conor Murphy who acted for three appellants said the traders have ongoing concerns about matters like the proposed relocation but they welcome the preservation of six-day-a-week trading and a number of amendments.

Despite the decision the issue can stil be appealed to the circuit court.