Perry’s Cash and Carry on Kennedy Avenue, Carlow
Pic: Michael O’Rourke

Corn Market? Grain Market? Or something else entirely?

The subject of what to call the site of Perry’s Cash & Carry, which was bought by Carlow Town Council for redevelopment, was discussed at a recent meeting  by local representatives.

Cathaoirleach Eileen Brophy was anxious that the area be given an appropriate name, a name that would reflect its past and, indeed, its future use. Town engineer Brian O’Donovan told the town councillors that while the area would be developed into car parking spaces, a civic space would be created in one of the old grain stores.

The council also proposes to demolish two stone buildings and two sheds, while also upgrading the area for parking.

Mr O’Donovan added that the grain store could be used for country or Christmas markets, or as a venue for concerts.

Cllr Tom O’Neill said that because the site is beside the River Burrin, it presented a great opportunity for them to redevelop it as a public amenity. Cllr Brophy agreed, adding that it could become a tourist attraction and that it should be appropriately named.

“Cork has its English Market,” she pointed out, before suggesting possible monikers such as corn market or grain market.

However, the councillors didn’t want to rush into naming their new acquisition too hastily and adjourned the matter until the December meeting.