Appeal for re-establishment of market in Kildare Town
The call was made by the Mayor of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District
Kildare County Council (KCC) has been requested to invest in the re-establishment of the market in Kildare Town.
It follows a motion which was submitted by the Mayor of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD), Fianna Fáil Cllr Suzanne Doyle, at a recent KCC meeting.
Specifically, Mayor Doyle motioned for KCC to invest in ‘re-establishing the market in Kildare Town, through the development of contemporary themed markets that are curated and managed with a business plan that demonstrates a self funding model within a two year period’.
Her motion was seconded by Fine Gael Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer.
LENGTHY RESPONSE
In response to Mayor Doyle’s motion, KCC presented a lengthy response via the report it presented at the meeting.
The report read as follows: “KCC recognises the importance of revitalising the existing market in Kildare Town and considers this an important element in supporting the economic and social vitality of the town centre.
“While the KCC’s wider ambition is to develop a vibrant and sustainable network of markets across County Kildare, Kildare Town should remain a particular focus given its established Market Square location, its available trading capacity and the opportunities arising from the recently completed public realm investment.
“Market Square is currently designated for casual trading and provides for up to 23 pitches, of which five are recorded as active.
“It should be noted, however, that the configuration and suitability of the designated pitch spaces will require review following completion of the Kildare Town Market Square Public Realm Project.”
SURVEY
KCC also revealed that, on foot of a September 2026 motion ‘requesting the consideration additional designated casual trading area in Rathangan’, its Corporate Services issued a consultation survey to the MD’s members (KCC also noted that the deadline for submissions is Friday October 30, 2026, but added that this could be extended upon request).
“The purpose of this engagement is to gather members’ views on the future direction of casual trading and the potential for initiatives such as contemporary themed markets, seasonal markets and other curated offerings,” KCC explained. “The feedback received will help inform the development of a practical and locally appropriate approach, including consideration of the preferred market format, trader mix, operating arrangements, infrastructure requirements and opportunities for wider stakeholder involvement.”
KCC also said that it ‘wishes to acknowledge’ that it is also progressing a new food and craft market initiative in Athy.
“This work has involved engagement across a number of service areas on vendor applications, market infrastructure, staffing, on-site operations and the respective roles of the participating departments,” KCC added. “ Funding has been secured by the Local Enterprise Office, via Department of Enterprise, for market infrastructure, while the operational and staffing arrangements continue to be developed internally.”
‘USEFUL PRACTICAL LEARNING’
Moreover, KCC asserted: “ “The establishment and early operation of the Athy market will provide useful practical learning that can inform any renewed market model considered for Kildare Town, particularly in relation to trader recruitment, market curation, branding, infrastructure, management arrangements and longer-term financial sustainability.
“The Corporate Services Department holds a budget for the implementation and operation of casual trading.
“Subject to the outcome of the elected members consultation process and the development of an agreed proposal, this funding can be considered for appropriate initiatives that would help grow and promote not only the Kildare Town market, but other designated markets throughout the county. Funding could include targeted supports intended to stimulate market activity and assist in establishing a more sustainable operating model.
“The council therefore considers that there is clear merit in developing a refreshed and more contemporary market offering for Kildare Town.”
KCC further said: “A countywide perspective is also appropriate, as it will ensure consistency, allow lessons to be shared and support the fair consideration of other designated markets.”
‘A REALISTIC ASSESSMENT’
However, KCC also noted: “Any commitment to a defined operating or self-funding model within a two-year period should be informed by the consultation findings, the practical experience gained from the Athy initiative and a realistic assessment of operating costs, trader participation, customer demand, governance and management requirements.
“The council is actively undertaking research into the different market models and approaches currently operating across casual trading functions in other local authorities, with a view to identifying good practice and informing the future development of casual trading within the county.
KCC concluded: “Following completion of the consultation and consideration of the emerging learning from Athy, a further update can be presented to the MD members; this should set out specific options for Kildare Town Market Square, together with recommended actions, potential funding requirements and an indicative implementation approach, while also identifying any wider measures that may support market development across the county.”
PRAISE
Following the presentation of this report, Mayor Doyle praised it, and remarked that it was a ‘very comprehensive’ one.
“If we want really well-developed markets, we need [sufficient] resources and [effective] management,” she added. “We need to have a plan.”
Mayor Doyle also suggested the drafting of a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (otherwise known as a S.W.O.T.) analysis in relation to the re-establishment of the market in Kildare Town.
Once the Mayor finished speaking, Fine Gael Cllr Kevin Duffy spoke, and told those in attendance: “We have a county-wide opportunity here, and it could help curate a monthly cycle.”
He also opined: “I think that there is a very positive idea here.”
Moreover, his party colleague, Cllr O’Dwyer, voiced support for the views expressed by both Mayor Doyle and Cllr Duffy, especially as, in her view, towns across Kildare ‘are crying out for markets’.
Other councillors who briefly voiced support for the re-establishment of the market for Kildare Town were Labour Party Cllr Pat Balfe and Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender, the latter of whom suggested that it ‘could create more social opportunities too’.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.