Vol. 502 No. 2
68 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a request from The Irish Street Market Traders Association to use the main road or other section of the Phoenix Park for occasional use by its members for trading purposes; if so, if he will facilitate this group in view of the potential involved in its project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7501/99]
This is not a matter that comes within the remit of my Office.
However, I am informed by my colleague, Deputy Síle de Valera, Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, that her Department has not received any request from the Irish Street Market Traders Association to trade in the Phoenix Park.
I am advised that a limited number of long established traders sell sweets and fruits in the vicinity of the zoo and an ice-cream concessionaire is also licensed to operate within the park.
The existing permits are strictly regulated as it is considered that any increase in the level of casual trading would be inappropriate in a national historic park and would have a detrimental effect on the ambience and tranquility of the park.
