Market traders have warned that a 400-year-old tradition of "market rights" around the country could be lost forever at the end of the month.
Under the Casual Trading Act, "market rights" which remain unexercised for a period of 10 years can be deemed "extinguished" by local authorities.
Local authorities will have this power from May 1st and traders fear that there will be far-reaching consequences for the development of markets throughout the country.
The Irish Association of Market and Street Traders is campaigning to ensure the survival of traditional "market rights" by encouraging people to set up temporary stalls or pitches in towns and villages before the end of April.
At present, there is no definitive database detailing the hundreds of locations around the country with designated "market rights", which still hold regular markets.
Traders claim that establishing such a database will make it impossible for local authorities to classify such "market rights" as "extinguished".
According to traders, a stall offering something for sale for even five minutes will guarantee that the "market right" is maintained for the next 10 years.
The lobby group representing traders has advised that such activity should be witnessed or photographed and documented for use as evidence of trade.
Market trader Danny Morriss from Killarney, who set up a temporary stall in Askeaton, Co Limerick, yesterday, is planning to trade in dozens of towns and villages throughout Munster before the end of April.
"This is about trying to guarantee the survival of markets for future generations and ensuring that people will have a right to trade. Markets are not just about selling - they are also a social event of great importance and act as a meeting place for entire communities," said Mr Morriss.
"Market rights" in Ireland were granted to town councils and individuals over a 400-year period by the English crown and are recognised under Irish law.
These "market rights" were compiled from the reports of the Royal Commissioners and are on file in the National Library.
Despite the introduction of the new Casual Trading Act in 1996, it is estimated that up 80 per cent of casual trading licences around the country are still held by traders operating in traditional markets that enjoy "market rights".
Traders have argued that the Act has crippled market trading through prohibitive bylaws and offers traders very little protection.
A full list of the locations where "market rights" currently exist is available at www.irishmarketrights.org