From November 7 next, the market will literally move on to the street as contractors L & M Keating Ltd move on site for the €2m development project.

Limerick's Milk Market is one of the oldest in the country, dating back to 1852, and by next year will become a six-day market, rather than operating for six hours each Saturday.

Under the new plans it will see it facilities upgraded to benefit traders, shoppers and the economy of the greater Limerick area.

It is estimated that the newly upgraded facility will have the potential to increase footfall at the Milk Market by over 50 per cent per week when it reopens in mid-2010. It is also planned to make this historic venue available for other events such as Christmas markets, food fairs and classical concerts.

David O'Mahony, chairman of the Market Trustees, said their aim is to have the Milk Market recognised as the "outstanding example of best practice in market operations in Ireland and beyond." The opening of the market next year is expected to be "a national event", and those in the food industry, including Darina Allen and Minister for Food Trevor Sargent, have supported the ideals behind the new market.

A seasonal calendar of events and stalls for the market is now being prepared, which will see a diversity of new and old traders attend on different days of the week, excluding Monday when the market will be closed.

However, some traders and regular visitors have concerns about the impact this modernation will have. Clarina resident and artist Jim O'Farrell, who has sketched numerous scenes of the market, is encouraging all Limerick people to "come out on Saturday and see the old market for the last time."