Effect of casual trading on businesses in Ballinamore highlighted

The issue of casual trading and its impact on businesses in Co. Leitrim towns was discussed at this Monday's Ballinamore Municipal District meeting.

District Cathaoirleach Gary Prior (FF) submitted a motion, in which he sought information on casual trading bays in Ballinamore.

He asked the council “to confirm the current designated casual trading bays locations and number of bays in Ballinamore. Are these bays marked and to clarify wheter Leitrim County Council has a designated officer responsible for casual trading licences?” his motion read.

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Speaking on his motion, Cllr Prior outlined the concerns of business owners in Ballinamore in relation to casual traders gaining licences to trade in the town.

“These casual traders are not bringing anything to Ballinamore that is not there already. There are coffee and fish 'n' chip stalls located near existing businesses who offer the same. Will everyone be allocated trading licences in Ballinamore?” he asked.

“Local businesses are very frustrated by the presence of these trailers, who are not selling their products any cheaper,” he added.

In response, council Director of Services, David Minton stated that, “the council is commencing a review of casual trading bye-laws.”

Council Senior Planner Bernard Greene told the meeting that in Ballinamore there are currently three traders operating – a fishmongers, coffee stall and fish 'n' chip stall.

“This is simple from a council perspective – we must assess an application against the criteria in relation to trading licences,” he told the councillors.

“There are currently prosecutions in tow relating to a lack of trading licences. We have a designated officer who deals with casual trading licences,” he added.

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The motion was supported by Cllr Enda McGloin (FG) who stressed that ratepayers must be protected.

“I have been beating this drum for a while,” he stated. “These casual traders are in direct competition with ratepayers. Ratepayers are partners of the council and we rely on them for capital expansion,” Cllr McGloin added.

The Drumshanbo based representative went on to say that new bye-laws were needed. “We have to bring in new bye-laws. We have an important job to do in relation to bye-laws,” he commented.

The written reply from the council stated: “The current Casual Trading Bye-Laws were adopted in 2018. In Ballinamore, there are trading bays at the car park in front of The Junction development, which are labelled B1 (3 car parking spaces), B2 (4 car parking spaces) and B3 (2 car parking spaces).

This map has been emailed to the members. These bays are not currently marked. Licences have been issued by the Local Authority for these bays on certain days each week. At present, the issuing of Casual Trading licences is managed by the Planning Department but this will be reviewed with the 2026 amendment of Casual Trading Bye-Laws.”