This article is from page 18 of the 2011-09-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
NEW casual trading byelaws aimed at improving the operation of the Ennis market are due to come into effect next week.
Under the byelaws, the market will be further extended into the Guaranakilla area, while a trading area for special events and purposes such as Christmas markets will also be established at the Lower Market Street car park. Changes will also be made to the orientation and layout of stalls. At present, stalls are positioned fac- ing onto the main road, a system that allows traders to monitor each other’s stalls.
Councillors voted through the byelaws at the July meeting of Ennis Town Council following a lengthy period of public consultation.
A controversial proposal that would have allowed for the towing away of cars parked in trading spaces on trading days was removed from the final draft.
Trading shall be permitted during the seven days immediately preceding Christmas Day with trading also permitted for special occasions “as determined by the council”.
Members also voted to remove proposed restrictions on the sale of Christmas trees. A move to designate a section of Guaranakilla strictly for parking was defeated following warnings from town manager Ger Dollard that it could have serious implications for trading in the market.
The byelaws state that “no broadcasting or speech or music from a mechanical or electronic amplification system shall take place from any stall or any vehicle and no loud play- ing of radios or music reproduction appliances shall take place at any stall”. The sale of alcohol is also prohibited under the byelaws.
The fee structure ranges from € 660 to € 50 per trading bay per day, for a special event license. Persons caught trading without a licence can be prosecuted by an authorised officer of Ennis Town Council as well as by the Gardaí. Anyone found in breach of the byelaws could be liable to a fine of up to € 1,270. The byelaws are due to come into effect on October 1.