A COMPREHENSIVE review of casual trading by-laws in Donegal is currently under way and will go out to public consultation early next year.
It comes amid a surge in the number of mobile coffee and food trucks that have popped up in every corner of the county during the pandemic.
Councillor Niamh Kennedy brought a motion to a recent council meeting when she said the increase in casual trading was very welcome but there had been some issues in different areas.
She said traders have been very dynamic and enthusiastic and the increase in mobile units was important for everyone in 2020 and will be important for staycations in the year ahead.
She said some of the issues raised relate to parking and visibility lines on roads. She called for a workshop to be held to discuss the many experiences in towns, beaches, piers, picnic areas and along county’s roadsides.
“It is good for us to have that conversation and be ready for the next staycation season,” she said.
Councillor Niamh Kennedy.
Director of Service Liam Ward said: “The ongoing review of the casual trading by-laws will seek to maximise the potential to designate appropriately located casual trading areas as possible across the county.
“This would reflect the increased demand and maximise the potential for such trading to increase the level of activity in town and village centres “and contribute to the regeneration of these areas.”
Input from councillors into this process will be sought over the coming months with the aim to have draft by-laws ready for public consultation during 2022.
A preliminary consultation process was undertaken by the council between July and September and there was a total of 18 submissions from existing traders, local business owners, Carndonagh Traders’ Association, Letterkenny Chamber and general members of the public, in addition to two internal submissions.
“Alongside the consultation process, site survey work was undertaken during the summer months to identify the location, use and status of casual trading units, the location/suitability of existing casual trading designations and areas of potential for future casual trading designations,” said Mr Ward.
“The site survey work and consideration of submissions received during the consultation process provide a valuable baseline highlighting areas for further examination that shall inform the review process and the drafting of revised casual trading by-laws.”
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