A public demonstration is to be mounted on Sunday in support of Pipers Funfair in Kinsale
The funfair, which has been operating in the town for the past 90 years, cannot return to its usual pitch at the car park on Pier Road unless a €60,000 bond is paid to the County Council.
The bond is being sought as the car park was resurfaced at a cost of €140,000 and the bond is needed to cover any costs if the surface is damaged when the fairground is erected.
In response Pipers have reduced the amount of staking and increased the amount of surface protection and are seeking a reduction in the bond.
A community action group led by former Piper's worker Helen Hickey and local Green Party representative Marc Ó'Riain are holding a protest this Sunday at 2pm leaving from Short Quay in the centre of town as they see the funfair as part of their community and cultural heritage.
RedFM News contacted the Council for a statement on the matter, however the Council says this is a matter between them and the potential licensee and therefore cannot discuss the specific terms of the potential agreement with any third party
Speaking to RedFM News local Green representative Marc O’Riain believes the Council just don't want Pipers Funfair in town.
"In my view they have a trading right there. The council came in about three or four years ago and decided to use some surplus funding to tarmac the old gravel carpark without any consultation with the Pipers, or without any facilitation of the traditional summer funfair.
"Now they're coming back and saying that they want a bond the €60,000 euros from Pipers.
"I just feel that the council don't want Pipers in town."
