A group of long-term food traders in west Cork are pondering their future after being told they must pack up and leave.
The move comes on foot of an enforcement order by Cork County Council to the owners of the premises in Glengariff on which they trade.
The food trucks operate at a car park owned by the woollen knitwear company, Quills, close to the new Blue Pools walking trails.
Last week the company served notice on the traders to quit. Padraig Quill said he was gutted to have to take this course of action but said “the council gave me no choice. They have instructed me to shut them down
“These traders have done nothing but bring business into Glengarriff and provide top-class food and drinks. We have a seated area for people with free car parking and toilets nearby.”
Quills say they were served with an enforcement notice by Cork County Council which centres around a green unauthorised shed beside their shop.
They have agreed to take the shed down and replace it with a brick building within the next three months.
However, the council has insisted that “all unauthorised structures be removed from the car park within a period of seven days”.
Quills currently has a planning application in place with the council to redevelop the site into a €5 million complex and is seeking planning permission for traders to be able to operate on the premises.
Pádraig Quill does not want to jeopardise the planning process and hopes the matter can be resolved quickly.
Meanwhile, traders say the unauthorised shed is a “separate issue” and say they “feel penalised” by the council.
Aurelia Monprofit runs La Crêperie Gourmand at the market. She has been here since 2019 and says she has grown her business steadily along with the other food and coffee traders.
Together they set up their own electricity and water supply.
Aurelia says she was served with a notice to quit last weekend by an employee of Quills.
“This is my livelihood and will be devastating for myself and my child if I’m out of a job. We are bringing people into the village of Glengarriff, both locals and tourists. It’s a great place to hang out and there’s a lovely vibe with great quality food and outdoor seating. It’s heartbreaking.”
Odhrán Somers runs a food stall with his brother Cian.
“I think it’s a disgrace that that they’re trying to get rid of our food market. Everybody benefits and the traders can make an honest living. This caravan has been stationed here for seven years and we’ve had it for four. We’re not sure what happens now going forward so we’re getting everyone behind us.”
The traders have now got a petition up and running to save their stalls and have now over 3,000 signatures.
Hilje Labuschagne holds her baby on her hip at a food truck as she laments the possible closure of the food market.
“I would encourage everyone to sign the petition and take it further. It’s so disappointing to learn the market might shut down. It’s the heartbeat of Glengarriff especially in the summer months.”
Seán Moroney is a local customer from Kilgarvan.
“It’s an absolute disgrace that the council are trying to shut down these food trucks. I’ve come from Kilgarvan specially because it’s a lovely place to come and socialise. It’s a fantastic economic boost for Glengarriff and creates jobs. The council need to explain fully why they want them shut down.”
Geraldine O’Sullivan says the market is a vital part of the local community.
“You’ve got the playground down the road, a community garden and new walkways recently installed. You have families coming from neighbouring towns and villages and going for walks in the woods. Then they come here for crêpes and coffee. It’s shameful that the council want to close such a vital and vibrant part of our community.”
Cork County Council said they cannot comment on the situation.
“We cannot comment on live enforcement cases where disclosure of any information pertaining to same may prejudice any future enforcement proceedings.”
