THE OPERATORS OF a popular food market and sauna in Dublin are fighting to stay open after being told to close by Dublin City Council.

Set up during the Covid-19 pandemic, Cowtown Yard in Stoneybatter is home to three food truck businesses as well as a sauna and cold plunge. 

The owners say 14 people will now lose their jobs after Dublin City Council denied planning permission for the yard to continue operating. 

In a petition set up online to keep the yard open, the operators said:

“For nearly four years, Cowtown Yard has transformed a vacant space into a vibrant community destination.

“What was once a largely unused yard is now home to local food traders, wellness facilities, community events, and a unique gathering place for people from Stoneybatter and beyond.”

The operators are asking the public to help by signing the petition, as it pulls together its collective community submission for the Council. 

Local TD for Dublin Central, Gary Gannon, called on Dublin City Council to reconsider its decision. 

Speaking to The Journal, the Social Democrats TD said: “I remember when that was just a barren laneway, now it has life in it. 

“I just don’t understand the priorities of Dublin City Council, when I see so much dereliction that goes unaddressed, and then I see a place of vibrancy which seems to be taking more of an interest in the dereliction.” 

He added that if there is an issue with planning, Dublin City Council should be trying to help the yard comply rather than shutting it down. 

“I think DCC has their priorities skewed here,” he said. 

In response to a video posted by Dublin Social (a popular online events guide for the city) highlighting the closure on Instagram, locals shared their disgust at the decision by Dublin City Council. 

One user wrote: “Cowtown is the social heartbeat of Stoneybatter, it absolutely has to be saved”. 

Another wrote: “Nightclubs taken, drury street outdoor socialising taken, closure of cultural spaces. Sad to see another great public space of Dublin being taken away from the people. Shocking @dublincitycouncil. Do better.”

The Journal has contacted Dublin City Council for comment.