The urban council in Athy, Co Kildare, is taking legal advice on how to close the Sunday market in the town, more than a year after it first refused to renew its licence.
The council originally refused to renew the licence in September 2000, claiming the market was a traffic hazard and that it lowered the price of property in the area.
However, the market's owner, Mr Frank Dooley, claims the closure of the market would be an economic setback to the area.
"They are trying to axe what is a minimum of 250 jobs in bad times," said Mr Dooley, who added he did not accept the allegation that the market was having a negative effect on the price of property. He claimed the market, which every week attracts thousands of people, is one of the "best businesses" in the town.
Mr Dooley unsuccessfully appealed Athy UDC's decision to An Bord Pleanβla, and then lodged a new application with the local authority. That application was rejected and the matter is again with An Bord Pleanβla.
The council is now considering what action to take. Town clerk Ms Helen Dowling said one option was to serve an enforcement notice requiring the market to close within two months. Another would be to take the matter to the Circuit Court.