Decision made on controversial Christmas market in Limerick
Mayor of Limerick wants to see The Crescent transformed for festive offering
COUNCILLORS have made a decision on controversial plans to close off The Crescent to facilitate a festive market.
In a knife-edge vote, members of Limerick’s metropolitan district have voted nine votes to eight to in effect, allow a market at the Crescent.
The decision came about following a meeting this Tuesday in which members of the metropolitan district met to consider a report from council director general, Dr Pat Daly on issuing a licence for Christmas in Limerick.
Key among the recommendations is the fencing off of The Crescent in order to facilitate a market, in a move driven by Mayor John Moran.
It’s proposed the market would run from later this month until the end of the year.
There has been sharp division on the plans, with many retailers fearing a loss in trade in terms of what is acknowledged to be their busiest quarter, while the local branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Chamber have raised concerns.
However, businesses and residents around the area have backed the concept.
The division on the proposals was laid bare in the council chamber this Tuesday.
At the special meeting, Cllr Sarah Kiely suggested the licence be modified to move the Christmas market to within the vicinity of Arthur’s Quay Park. The move was seconded by Fianna Fail’s Catherine Slattery.
But after head of trade and investment Brendan Troy said this would cut the market down to a capacity from 750 to just 150 people - and Riann O'Dwyer of Big Boss Events expressed concerns over accessibility of the market if it were moved to beside Arthur’s Quay - where Limerick on Ice is located, councillors moved to reject Cllr Kiely’s proposal.
This meant the licence to run Christmas events in Limerick stood as originally planned - crucially including the festive market at The Crescent.
AGAINST
Aontu councillor Sarah Beasley,
Sinn Fein Sharon Benson
Maria Donoghue
Ursula Gavan
Sean Hartigan
Fergus Kilcoyne
Joe Leddin
Padraigh Reale
?? Azad Talukder
FOR
Daniel Butler
Frankie Daly
Sarah Kiely
Daniel McSweeney
Kieran O’Hanlon
Olivia O’Sullivan
Joe Pond
Catherine Slattery
ABST Peter Doyle
ABST Shane Hickey-O’Mara
More to follow