Kildare County Council is currently holding a public consultation on the Draft Casual Trading Bye-Laws 2025 for the Athy Municipal District. For the first time, formal regulations are being proposed for casual trading in Athy, including new trading days, designated locations, and fixed trading hours.
For traders who have built their livelihoods in the town, many of whom have been attending the Tuesday market in Emily Square for decades, this is a major development. The proposed changes may bring new opportunities, but they also raise serious concerns about the future of long-established trading patterns.
Here’s what you need to know and how you can have your say.
What’s Being Proposed?
Kildare County Council proposes to:
- Introduce formal Casual Trading Bye-Laws in Athy
- Designate three trading locations: Emily Square, Barrow Quay, and Edmund Rice Square
- Introduce specific trading days and hours for each location
- Allow weekend trading at some locations
You can view the full draft bye-laws and make a submission online here:
🔗 https://consult.kildarecoco.ie/en/consultation/draft-casual-trading-bye-laws-2025-athy-municipal-district
What Could This Mean for You?
For many of our members, these proposed changes may have both positive and negative implications.
Concerns
- Impact on Tuesday Trade: With new Saturday and Sunday markets being proposed, there’s a real concern that this could divide footfall and reduce the strength of Tuesday trading.
- Displacement: Traders who have operated at Emily Square for 30, 40 or even 50 years may be affected by new licensing processes or location changes.
- Limited Spaces: The introduction of licensing may limit how many traders can attend, particularly at newly designated sites.
- Extra Costs and Admin: New bye-laws could mean additional fees or more paperwork for licences and compliance.
Possible Opportunities
- Weekend Trading: For some, the opportunity to trade on Saturdays, Sundays or bank holidays could mean more income or reaching new customers.
- Formal Recognition: Traders would gain legal clarity and potential protections under the Casual Trading Act once designated.
- New Trading Locations: If well-managed, additional spaces could offer more choice and flexibility
What Can You Do?
This is your chance to shape the future of trading in Athy. The draft bye-laws are open for public comment until 9th September 2025.
We encourage all traders, especially those trading in Athy – to review the proposals and make a submission. Whether you support the new structure, have concerns, or want changes made, your voice matters.
You can:
- Review the proposals online: https://consult.kildarecoco.ie
- Submit your views online or in writing before 9th September
- Speak to fellow traders and consider making a joint submission to highlight shared concerns
We’re also happy to include your concerns in a submission on your behalf. If you’d like us to raise specific issues or strengthen your views as part of a collective response, just get in touch with Grainne directly.
We want to hear from you, and we’re here to help. Or if you’d like help understanding the proposals or preparing a submission, let us know, we’re here to support you.
Looking Ahead
As always, IOMST is here to look after our members’ interests. We’ll be watching this closely and will continue to keep you informed of any developments.
We believe in protecting the tradition of local trading, while also helping traders grow and adapt to new opportunities. Now is the time to make your voice heard and ensure your experience is part of the conversation.
Act now – don’t miss your chance to have a say in the future of trading in Athy.
If you’d like to share your feedback with IOMST or want help preparing a submission, feel free to get in touch.
For more Information, Guides Help, Support or Advice. Get in touch with IOMST and become a member today!
Grainne & Greg
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The Irish Organisation for Market and Street Traders (IOMST) is dedicated to safeguarding the interests of market and street traders across Ireland. We provide support, advice, and information to help traders navigate regulations, protect their rights, and grow their businesses. Stay informed and connected with IOMST’s weekly newsletter and practical resources. Click here to find out more or become a member click here.