Casual Trading

Leitrim County Council has made available a draft of its proposed Casual Trading Bye‑Laws 2026 for public inspection at Áras an Chontae in Carrick‑on‑Shannon. The draft follows a review of the 2018 bye‑laws, which was announced by the council’s Director of Services, David Minton, during a Ballinamore Municipal District meeting on Monday. Minton said the council is commencing a review of casual trading regulations after concerns were raised about traders occupying valuable parking spaces in towns and villages across the county.

The motion tabled by District Cathaoirleach Gary Prior asked for confirmation of the number and location of designated casual trading bays in Ballinamore, whether they are marked, and who holds responsibility for issuing licences. He highlighted that many traders operate stalls offering coffee and fish‑and‑chips alongside existing businesses, and questioned whether all such traders should be granted licences.

Fine Gael councillor Enda McGloin has also called for a review of the bye‑laws, arguing that casual traders taking up parking spaces at the expense of rate‑paying businesses is seriously impacting customers’ ability to park. He urged that alternative suitable locations be identified for casual trading.

The draft Bye‑Laws are available for inspection until further notice and will form the basis of any future amendments. For more details, see the Leitrim County Council draft bye‑laws page for full details.

Summary written by localnews.ie from the original source coverage. Click through for the full report.