Tensions ease between retailers and traders over Christmas market in Wicklow
The Wicklow PeopleA small number of retailers on the Main Street in Greystones believe mediation talks with Wicklow County Council are no longer necessary, over a row that erupted between retailers and traders at the Greystones Plaza Market regarding Christmas date.
A meeting had been scheduled on November 7 between traders in Greystones and the operators of the local Plaza Market in a bid to ease tensions.
It’s after a group of more than 25 Greystones-based businesses decided to express growing frustration and disappointment at the lack of meaningful support from Wicklow County Council for the local business community.
In a blueprint letter issued on October 24, some businesses stated they felt there was unfair competition in the town during key trading periods stemming from the market.
The letter was sent as a template, to amend as businesses saw fit or fitted their own points relevant to their business.
It’s understood not all of them included the points about the Plaza Market.
Other issues raised affecting local business included the continued closure of the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk and the regular scheduled disruption to Dart services due to engineering works along the railway line to Bray.
In the letter issued by Alison Banton from Brooke and Shoals to council chief executive Emer O’Gorman, the Plaza Market, which operates weekly on Sundays during summer and Christmas periods, is accused of “diverting footfall and spend, away from the employment-creating businesses on Church Road and surrounding areas”.
Responding to concerns raised in the letter, council officials shared their frustrations regarding the cliff walk closure and disruption to Dart services at weekends.
“Your concerns regarding the closure of the Cliff Walk, are shared by Wicklow County Council.” the statement reads.
“Options are currently being examined with a view to estimating potential costs. The estimated costs will be presented to the taskforce by the chief executive at meeting being convened in November.
“We share your concerns in relation to the disruption of Dart services at the weekend.” the statement continues.
“However, this is not an area that Wicklow County Council can respond. Similar issues have been highlighted to Iarnród Eireann previously and contact would need to be directly made with them for response.”
In relation to claims the Plaza Market has a monopoly during key trading periods of the year, the council said those concerns of Main Street traders are noted.
“The area of the Plaza Market is operated by Sispar under a concession agreement with Wicklow County Council. Our understanding is that these markets are scheduled periodically and would be fully inclusive of all traders wishing to partake. The operation of markets attracts additional economic benefit to the area and are widely attended by both Greystones locals and visitors to the town.”
A meeting between representatives of the main street traders and the harbour and market operator, had been organised for November 7, with council representatives of Economic/Local Enterprise Office and the Harbours team in attendance.
The council had sought two thirds of nominated representatives of the Main Street traders to attend such a meeting. To date, representative names have not been put forward for this meeting, and therefore, the meeting has not progressed.
It’s emerged since this request for representatives, a very small number of individual traders have in fact indicated that a meeting at this stage is not required while welcomed.
It’s understood the group have also indicated their preference for a meeting would be better facilitated in the spring, which the council will be available as required.
Beth Merriman of LaLuna Goodness represents more than 50 traders who are hoping to take part in this year’s Christmas market at the Plaza.
She has welcomed this latest development.
“It does seem that the loud noise made by one or two businesses does not reflect all 25 signatories. Had the Plaza Market issue been so important and urgent they would have made themselves available for said meeting, but they did not.
“It also seems that, if in fact those businesses are happy to wait until the Spring for a meeting - then they are not opposed to The Plaza Christmas Market.
“We hope this means the Plaza Market can go ahead on the dates advertised.” she added.
Operators of the market have vowed to work with the local businesses in Greystones to promote the town as a shopping and recreational destination and highlighted that proceeds after costs will be going to both Wicklow Hospice and Greystones Cancer Support.
“We absolutely understand the challenges faced by all in our community which is why it is more important than ever to keep the market running, and welcome the opportunity to hold a meeting with traders in future to discuss how best to move forward .” the group added in a statement.
The market was set up to “provide a safe space for the diverse community and to offer an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to socialise, interact and build connections”.