Madam, – I refer to the article “The cigarette smuggling centre of Europe”, Weekend Review, February 20th). Its depiction of Kildare town’s historic Thursday Market as a site of counterfeit goods and illicit commerce does county Kildare’s oldest heritage town little justice.
Kildare’s is the oldest open-air market in the country. Its traders are protected by custom and practice but subject to regulatory bylaws currently under review. The Heritage Centre is the focal point of our Market Square and provides visitors an interpretation of our imposing round tower, cathedral and nearby National Stud and Curragh. A local farmers’ market sells home and farm produce in the Carmelite Church nearby and a local crafts exhibit can be found many Thursdays in the local Áras Bride. – Yours, etc,