New casual trading byelaws being considered
NEW Casual Trading Bye-Laws for 2018 are being considered by Sligo County Council.
They cover the Market Yard, Doorly Park and Cleveragh Park in Sligo town and Tubbercurry, Ballymote, Enniscrone and Rosses Point.
Once they come into effect, they will replace the old County Council bye-laws of 2003 and Sligo Borough bye-laws of 2014.
Councillor Chris MacManus said he was “slightly disappointed” that there was no mention of casual trading on either O’Connell Street or JFK Parade, claiming they would “improve footfall” at those locations.
He also stressed that it would be for the Council members alone to decide on the future use of the open space in Stephen Street car park.
Cllr MacManus pointed to the talk of exploiting the Wild Atlantic Way at last month’s Council meeting yet there was no mention of any casual trading bays at either Strandhill or Mullaghmore.
“Why are they not going to be included in this document?” he asked officials. He also said the ‘first come first serve’ basis of allocating spaces didn’t seem fair to him and instead felt a lottery system would be fairer.
Director of Services Tom Kilfeather said it was only a draft and would not be considered by the Council for adoption until next June.
He said their legal advice on a lottery system was “not favourable” and customers could “end up with a poor mix of offerings” as a result of a lottery. Councillor Sinead Maguire agreed that would be a “very possible problem” they could end up with if they used a lottery system.
She also said she was not aware of any demand for a casual trading bay in Strandhill and said the Council would need to consult with the local community beforehand.
Cllr MacManus proposed to consider the draft bye-laws and he was seconded by Cllr Jerry Lundy. The final draft will be ready by next May.