In May 2025, Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O’Callaghan raised important concerns during a council meeting regarding the issuance of casual trading licences in Clare. The motion he tabled urged the council to carefully review how these licences are granted, especially in cases where they might impact established, permanent businesses.
Councillor O’Callaghan highlighted key issues affecting traders and business owners alike:
- Rising costs associated with casual trading licences.
- Perceptions that licences are being issued too freely, potentially creating unfair competition for permanent local businesses.
In response, Clare County Council’s Economic Development office clarified the formal process required to address these concerns. They noted that any municipal district within the county can initiate a review of its casual trading bye-laws. This review process involves:
- Creating updated maps to clearly define permitted trading zones.
- Holding public consultations to gather input from all stakeholders, including traders, businesses, and residents.
- Formal adoption of any changes by the council following consultation.
This motion and response highlight the balance the council seeks to maintain between supporting casual traders and protecting established businesses in Clare. For traders, this means staying engaged with local consultations and monitoring any proposed changes to licensing rules or trading zones.
What Traders Should Do:
- Keep informed about any public consultations or bye-law reviews announced by Clare County Council.
- Consider providing feedback during consultation periods to ensure your views are heard.
- Stay aware of any new licensing or trading zone maps issued as a result of these reviews.
For more info:
For more information on Clare County Council’s casual trading policies and upcoming consultations, visit:
Clare County Council Website
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Grainne & Greg
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