Future of Black Market in doubt over fire safety cert concerns

There are fears for the future of the Black Market on the city’s Monahan Rd, with the Cork City Council confirming it does not currently have the necessary fire safety certification to continue, and some vendors have been given notice by the market operators to complete operations in August.

The market, which has operated at Dornan’s Yard on Monahan Rd near the Marina for the past five years, has become an important and popular addition to the food scene in the city.

Operating Wednesday to Sunday, the Black Market emerged as a boutique food market in autumn 2021, with nine vendors, with a distinctive black interior and a range of culinary offerings.

In April, the market was briefly closed after a fire broke out during lunchtime, with patrons evacuated safely as fire services dealt with the incident.

It has emerged that the market is operating without the necessary safety certification. In relation to fire safety issues, a fire safety certificate is required.

“The Black Market does not have a fire safety certificate,” a spokesperson for Cork City Council said.

“A fire safety certificate is required for the building as a whole and includes all uses therein.

Cork City Council is engaging with the premises owners with a view to them submitting an application for a fire safety certificate.

“Ultimately, failure to apply for a fire safety certificate would result in a fire safety inspection being undertaken, advice being issued, and, ultimately, enforcement action being taken if no progress is made.”

The duration of the certification process varies depending on the size of an applicant’s operation, or if certain or specific works are required as part of the certification process.

Meanwhile, the operator of one restaurant vendor at the Black Market, Tirab Smash Burger, said he has already been given notice to finish operations at the Dornan’s Yard site by August 3.

Owner Djamal Tirab said he is now searching for another site for his business.

“The business has a lot of potential, and I am on the lookout for a new premises,” said Mr Tirab.

Separately, another popular vendor, Tongue Tied Deli, ceased trading at the Monahan Rd site last Sunday. Tongue Tied has other operations in the city, including a range of acclaimed hot sauces and a food residency at popular pub Osho on Barrack St.

The operators of the Black Market did not reply to a request for comment.