Outdoor food and craft market is cancelled in Corkagh Park

JUST one week after the outdoor food and craft market returned to Corkagh Park – it was cancelled.

In what is a blow for visitors to the Clondalkin park, the Sunday market Urban Picnic opened on August 27, but by the next weekend, it had closed, and remains closed for the foreseeable.

According to South Dublin County Council, this follows the “unexpected cancellation of the September 3 market by the market operator at very late notice.”

While the council apologised to park visitors for the inconvenience, Cllr Trevor Gilligan (FF) has slammed the situation as “very bad practice”, noting successfully run outdoor markets at Tymon and St Catherine’s.

“Time and time again Clondalkin get’s left out. Last year in Corkagh Park it was going really well and people enjoyed all it had to offer, food, coffees, ice-cream, crepes, entertainment etc,” said Gilligan.

Reasons for the sudden cancellation are unclear.

In a public post two weeks ago, the council said they will review their approach for the venture to “complement significant park enhancement works that we are undertaking in Corkagh Park.”

The Echo asked the council if there had been a change of operator and reasons for the cancellation.

In response, a council spokesperson said their review will include proposals for the provision of a new hub area in the centre of the park with a coffee shop, events space, additional seating and playspaces.

“It also includes an upgrade of the fairy woodland trail, improvements to the existing car parks and improvements to access, signage and wayfinding through the park, “ said SDCC.

Cllr Gilligan believes it should be an easy fix: “It is not a difficult thing to do. Allow someone to operate it and tender for stalls and charge a reasonable nominal fee.”

According to SDCC, there are three traders currently operating under Casual Trading licences in Corkagh Park carparks with ice-cream at St John’s, tea/coffee and confectionery in the Camac Valley carpark one trader operates selling ice cream.

The Tymon Park outdoor food and craft market supported by SDCC and Dublin’s Outdoors continues until 30 September. The market is located beside the playground off the Castletymon entrance.

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