Somewhere…?
blueprint letter to Wicklow County Council CEO Emer O’Gorman on behalf 
of Greystones businesses, issued on Thursday, October 24th…
frustration and disappointment at the lack of meaningful support from Wicklow County Council for the local business community.
While the national economy is reported to be performing well, the reality for many small businesses in the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors is quite different. Rising costs, across rent, wages, energy, and insurance etc, are putting immense pressure on already low margins. At the same time, consumer spending has become more cautious. These economic challenges are out of our control and make it even more important that the Council intervenes to actively support and protect the commercial environment of the town.
We wish to formally highlight the following key concerns:
Some local businesses are reporting a loss in revenue of up to 25% in sales from a pre and post Cliff Walk closure timeframe. These levels of losses are not sustainable. Many locations in Ireland are developing and introducing Greenways to attract tourism, so repairing and restoring the stunning natural asset that we already have on our doorstep is crucial. The absence of clear communication or visible progress on its reopening is deeply concerning. We urge the Council to prioritise this matter and provide the business community with a commitment to reopening it and a realistic timeline for its restoration.
The lack of communication or forward notice from Irish Rail makes it impossible for businesses to plan staffing etc appropriately. We request that the Council and Elected Representatives engage with Irish Rail to urge them to provide a calendar of planned works well in advance. We also want to question if there are alternative scheduling solutions for these works, that don’t have such a negative effect on footfall and business.
As the market has grown in size over the last 5 years, so too has its negative effect on the centre of the town. Traders in Greystones pay high rent, rates, overheads and staff wages for 52 weeks of the year, and it is demoralising to have to compete with short-term stallholders who pay a fraction of these costs (€25 for a stand) with none of the same financial obligations. As businesses, we invest heavily in the town all year round. We also actively support local charities, clubs and schools, with both financial donations and fund-raising prizes. 
The Christmas market is reducing the footfall in the main thoroughfare during key weekends in November and December that local businesses rely on, to balance out the many quiet months of the year.
We even suggested the compromise idea of the market running on 3 weekends instead of 5 and finishing on 7th Dec, leaving the last 2 weeks of trading to the businesses. They were not interested in this compromise either, but instead they kindly suggested that if their promotional efforts included the whole town, it would raise the shopping profile enough to compensate for the increased competition. As established traders we know that this is well-intentioned, but unrealistic, 
because we are familiar with level of effort and marketing budget that it takes to get cut-through in business promotion in either digital or traditional media at this time of year. And ultimately, the bottom line is that there is hardly enough customer spend to keep current businesses afloat, let alone adding another 100 or so casual traders into the mix.
We are calling on the Council and local elected representatives to intervene in a situation where we, as commercial rate payers and employers of hundreds of local people are being put in a situation of disadvantage.
We respectfully request a meeting with you or your Economic Development team to discuss these concerns and to identify practical actions that would demonstrate genuine support for Greystones businesses.
Cllr Lourda Scott, Cllr Louise Gaskin, Cllr Orla Finn, Cllr Tom Fortune, Cllr Mark Barry, Cllr Stephen Stokes
25 comments
Paul: are the businesses that signed this letter the ones listed as tags at the bottom of the article? If not, can you please follow up your story and publish the names of the signatories or subscribers?
Going after the Plaza Market is ridiculous! It’s on for five weekends. That leaves 47 weekends with no Xmas plaza competition for these whingers.
As well, the market is seasonal and largely sells seasonal items, crafts, and gifts. I walk around the town and find almost no shop or business selling anything similar. So — where’s the competition?
It’s perfectly clear that the closure of the Cliff Walk and the constant disruption of rail services are the true cause of a 25% fall in sales, if true. Even if open year round the Plaza could not have this big an effect. By including it along with these culprits they have succeeded only in undermining their case to WCC.
Turning on other small businesses is absolutely the wrong way to go about this. You all want more footfall so should be uniting to put pressure on the powers that be for progress on the cliff walk and dart. A rising tide raises all all boats and the market is a fantastic addition to Greystones.
What an appalling article.
Attacking a market that literally brings crowds into the town. Extremely short sighted
How confusing.
I read this article earlier. There was a photo of an Alison Banton and the title said it was a letter from her. Now she’s gone from the title and yet the article remains.
Where has she gone and why?
Then there was a list of businesses who Alison Badton was writing on behalf of. This was perplexing because most of the businesses in the list are closed on Sundays – so I couldn’t understand why they would get behind the campaign against the market. In fact, I thought they were happy to have their feet up on Sundays because I know for a fact that they were offered free stands at the Plaza Market.
What an outrageous group of exploiters those market organisers must be! Giving the locals free places. Tut. Tut. Not only that but I know that the market generates funds for a number of charities. If your business isn’t even open, why wouldn’t you want people to raise money for charity? What kind of mercenary attitude is that?
Surely this isn’t right. I know some of these people and they’re “normal”…. So…
When it doesn’t make sense…
So what about the pubs and cafes and restaurants on Alison & Paul’s list!.. Last summer our family and many other market stall holders, their families, friends and customers ploughed thousands of euros into those establishments when visiting the market so why don’t the restaurants want us visiting?
I feel kind of pished off to think I have supported businesses who don’t have the decency to support me back or that actively try to ruin my small enterprise. I mean… we don’t compete with the eateries!…. Maybe we should!!
And The Happy Pear?!?! I am so perplexed to see that they don’t support our small artisans since they are a company who have been hugely supported by the community. I myself am a Happy Pear investor!! SMH
So I came back to read the article again and check that I hadn’t hallucinated. And whoa!!!
Now I’m even more confused because these businesses now are not listed! Could it be that they didn’t want to be lumped into this controversy?
Maybe my outrage should not be pointed at the businesses. Maybe I should be looking at this disappearing Alison person or the mysterious “Paul” who apparently wrote the article? How unusual to have a Paul with no surname? Like Prince, only not.
Paul – which of all the CLOSED-on-Sunday high street businesses that you listed have actually complained about the market?
I think it’s all strange and fishy and smells of political messing about. We – the people – don’t like political messing about. We are sick and tired of it. I speak for at least my husband and I
Have the courage to stand up and speak for yourself ( and your husbands, naturally!) and invite people to join you or reject your position… don’t rope a load of unsuspecting businesses into your cause then have to run away and hide behind deletion… cos this is the net and you can’t hide your cowardice!
I am not Greystones born and bred – I am a blow-in so I don’t know if I am talking about the richest most influential “Prince” or the lowest of the low, whoever you consider that to be… but I can say this for sure… it is simply economics that
More People = More Business
If we allow people to spread nonsense and their selfish agendas and if we allow nonsense to overshadow truth, then the market will definitely go to where it’s wanted. Then the real impact of fewer “bums on seats” will be felt and the articles about business closures will come thick and fast.
So please, Greystones market-lovers and small business owners… stand up and be counted!
I’ve heard that local businesses put their names to this as they were told the letter related to the cliff walk and DART issues only. They were not informed of the inclusion of the ‘issue’ with the market and have been misrepresented.
Like you say, many don’t open Sundays, they have an option for a stall, and the pubs, cafes and restaurants only benefit.
While planned increased frequency of Dart is planned, the inconvenience of upgrade works is very disruptive to everyone and needs better planning, while not night works, with later starts at weekends. Also as a growing population we need additional public transport, not less. Losing the 84 and being replaced with buses to Bray is not the answer. Need alternatives that go direct to city as express so not taking 2 hours and links to Luas in brides glen.
I feel sorry for frustrated Business owners doing their best but being hindered. I think the market would not be an issue if the cliff walk and dart were sufficiently operating and providing an uplift.
While I agree that the cliff walk should be reopened and the dart should be operational at weekends for tourism and locals, a market is statistically proven to bring footfall to a town not reduce it. Small businesses should support each other not take them down. Increased footfall in the town during markets has a direct positive effect on the local businesses especially food based. And the clients that attend a market aren’t necessarily those same clients that would buy from a local business, they came for the market. Local businesses could easily utilise the market footfall by displaying their products in the market also and draw the business up to those stores. Small craft businesses need a starting point, it’s demoralising to think that bigger businesses are wanting to prevent the success of others asking the market to “take a break” is idiotic, small busineses trading at markets shall we take a break from our rent, bills or health too.
I paint original pictures of Greystones itself which I sell at the market. Should I paint pictures of somewhere else? Seriously, the Plaza Market gave me a start here in Wicklow as an artist and I am disheartened to read this article.
As a small business owner, I understand the struggles and challenges that come with it. And element such as infrequent public transport can indeed affect the ability for potential visitors and customers to access towns and businesses. Having said that, for anyone who’s been in business for over 12 months, it’s apparent that financial strains are affecting everyone, including customers. Every business is affected by this. People are much more careful about how they spend. So, selecting a single group- tiny businesses in this instance, and blaming them for taking away business and footfall from the local shops, is not only factually incorrect, but creates “them vs us” , one or the other mentality.
Looking at facts, and taking from my own experience of someone who loves to spend weekends visiting local markets, and seeking them out, I always make a day out of it. It’s never just about attending the market. If there’s any other shops around, I will most certainly step in and treat myself to another purchase. And, I will most certainly make sure to also have a meal, a treat. And that’s exactly what people visiting the dreaded Greystones plaza market do- they make a day out of it! And, after visiting Plaza market, lots of people go for a stroll in town.
What I want to say with all of this is that, while times are definitely hard for everyone, weather you are an established business, a new start up, or a guest who decided to visit Greystones, trying to pitch one group of businesses against another one, is neither going to make any positive difference for the established businesses, and worst, it’s probably going to turn off some people from visiting those same stores. Let’s not do this. Let’s instead work together, and create a positive, collaborative community that stands together. Because, really- why not?
I’d like to take a moment to put a face to the traders at these markets. Most don’t have commercial shop spaces—many are artists who cannot afford galleries or permanent spaces to display their work. For them, the market is often the only opportunity to showcase the countless hours they’ve spent creating.
It’s also a space for occasional young artists or students, as well as countless charities raising awareness for their causes. Traders like myself spend long hours in the cold with no guaranteed income, often putting in more time than we would earn at minimum wage, all to share our work and contribute to the community.
This market is also a true community—all traders are under one big tent, and there is nothing but support, encouragement, and camaraderie, no competition or resentment. I would love to see all of Greystones work toward creating a town that represents community, opportunity, and support for all, embracing both markets and shops.
I have been a trader at the Plaza Market in Greystones since it began, and as a small business without a premises, or the means to pay for one, it is a key part of my revenue stream. I found your article to be disingenuous—not only to the organisers of the market, who give their time freely each summer and winter, but also to the many local, smaller traders, artists, and craftspeople who are unable to even consider renting a premises on the main street in Greystones.
A business that has been fortunate enough to keep its doors open for 25 years is very lucky indeed. Our organisers have not only invited many of the shop owners to take a stall at the market but have also tried to work with them in other ways.
I understand that rents and rates are difficult to pay, but this is not only the result of bad management by a very corrupt government—it is also part of a wider issue affecting the world at large. The impact of the Cliff Walk closure by Wicklow County Council is not the fault of the community market. If you want to point the finger, then point it where it should be pointed.
It is understandable that businesses are worried about their livelihoods—but we all are.
The Plaza Market has been a brilliant addition to Greystones in recent years.
I do feel for local businesses, retail is tough -however its tough for all traders, whether in physical shops or temp Market. I think if the market wasn’t there footfall into the town would decline – over the years I’ve had several people tell me they came to Greystones just to visit the Market but then stayed and spent instead only at Plaza Market but also retail shops and especially on lunch or dinner out.
I’ve bought some lovely stuff from local shops and also the Plaza Market – things I get at the market tend not to be stocked in local shops (such as Beyond the Ferns So oatsome soap which is the only soap some of my household will use).
I completely understand that big events like the Christmas market can feel like they change the usual flow of business, it’s a busy time for everyone. But from my experience as a trader, this market actually brings more people into the area overall. Many visitors who come for the market also stop into nearby shops,bars, cafes and restaurants, and the festive atmosphere helps remind people how much our local business have to offer. Rather that taking trade away, events like this can give all of us a chance to showcase what makes Graystones special and keep people shopping locally instead of going elsewhere.
The more we work together, the more we will ALL benefit.
Greystones unlike many or perhaps most regional towns has maintained a good rate of occupancy and a reasonable selection of retail options mostly independent, local businesses. Compared to the empty units, numerous charity shops or franchises and chains that are typical of other towns. I expect there is a possibility of this happening in greystones with business moving to larger units on the outskirts of the town or to the marina. These would be units more suited to franchises, multiples etc and which would take a lot of income out of the local economy. So I do think these businesses do need support at consumer and local government level if we want an attractive town centre.
It’s been a tough year for everyone with the prices rising and the customers thinking twice before spending their money. That is not a reason to blame everyone for making money instead of you, not a reason to ask the state to fix everything and bring you the customers to your door. Instead of that i would focus on how can i and my business improve, that’s all. And i think it is very mean to ask the market not to work to keep the customers and money to yourself and blaming them for not accepting that. Would you stay closed for a few weekends to help the little market make some profit?
What an absolutely appalling article.
1. The upper cliff walk is still there but as someone who walked the lower one frequently in the past the missing trade is vastly overstated. And it will cost ten’s of millions to secure it.
2. Irish Rail have a website where they go into great detail but when do the good retailers of Greystones expect this work to be done? During rush hour? Railways need to be maintained.
3. I think this is incredibly damaging statement to be frank. I live near Greystones and one of the few things that attracts me to travel in is the fair. There is zero possibility getting rid of it will increase footfall to the other retailers and plenty of suggestion that they would not.
Perhaps a (professional, independent) survey could have been done instead of the scurrilous accusations made in this article. I have to say I’ve looked closely at the signatories of this and will make it my business not to give them my business if this is the sort of behaviour going on. I’ve eaten in Las Tapas, Yamas and Bochelli’s after visiting the market.
Bullying the traders with outrageous demands even when the traders are not competing in any way against Greystones retailers (apart from the tat sold in Pharmacies and some, ahem, lifestyle business) is beyond belief and will create a very negative perception of those retailers. Many towns would pay to have an attraction like this.
Really surprised at the negativity of local businesses, surely having a vibrant and well run market in the locale would increase general footfall into the area and thereby more potential customers, it is up to all to encourage people into the area.
The many eateries will all benefit from visitors, and as far as i am aware the Plaza market have offered free stalls to local businesses to showcase their wares and advertise their shops, but have declined.
It is a fact that seasonal markets are a good thing for bringing people to an area, so i say give them the support they deserve, healthy competition is good.
I’m a bit disgusted to read of this attack on the plaza market which I love to browse in the summer and Christmas time. Commercial rates are the the Market’s fault. I have often popped into the boatyard and the beach house having visited the market so I don’t understand the argument regarding footfall and competition for these businesses right across the road from the market that offer very different products and services to the market.
With regards to businesses in the town which I visit and spend money in all through the year, I have never once thought “oh I won’t go into the town now” having visited the market. The stalls sell completely different items to the shops in the town.
Honestly I feel like not shopping local now in the shops associated with this letter. It’s bully mentality to see local businesses blame a market loved by locals for reduced income. Attack the greedy landlords pushing up commercial rates. The market is an attraction to experience, something which we don’t have much of in Greystones.
This is really disappointing – many small businesses rely on markets like these, it’s a shame that bigger, established businesses wouldn’t want to help them.. you also get unique gifts that people would prefer to purchase at such markets. I personally think the market is a great asset to Greystones, and definitely feel there is enough business for everyone.
If you take away the market, the town won’t see Christmas traffic. There aren’t enough local shops to bring crowds in.
The summertime and Christmas markets are the only reason why folks visit, spend their money in the town – go for a meal, have an ice cream etc.
Very silly to complain about increased visitor numbers!!
Instead, get out there and capture the crowds!! Be interesting and inviting and give them a reason to walk your way.
Mind you – the dart and cliff walk are actually stopping footfall and should be addressed. As for the markets… this article makes no business sense and it sounds to me that this is a person complaining for “everyone” when “everyone” isn’t asking her to!
If the greystones Market is taking all the customers, why would you not accept a free table there that had been offered to you?
You were offered a table at the market and you were not interested. Not one of youse have ever supported me. If the market was restricted to the dates you want. I know I would not have a Christmas or money to spend in the town. The market brings so many people to the town, some businesses have really used their head to make it profit for them, and others just want to complain and alienate themselves from potential customers
I know lots of people that travel from the city centre and the greater Dublin area specifically to attend the Christmas markets. Surely this will create more footfall for the restaurants and shops in the town?
While I wholeheartedly agree with the points raised about the impact of the Cliff Walk closure and the Dart suspensions on weekends, the comments made about the Plaza Market feel unfair, biased and failing to recognise the positives that the market has for both the town, the traders and local businesses not listed above. Personally, I know many traders who are local to Greystones who would not have been able to start their businesses but for the support of the market. It is disheartening to see the authors of this article complain about reduced income while actively wishing to harm the income of the Plaza Market traders. This strikes me an unproductive and wholly unbalanced article which serves to create an ‘us and them’ mentality in the town, rather than try to find ways to support both parties in a way which showcases all that Greystones has to offer for both established shops and local market traders.