Carlow Council approves new rules for artisan stalls and ice cream vans

NEW casual trading rules have been approved by Carlow Co Council, bringing all those artisan chutney stalls and ice cream vans operating in a ‘grey area’ into conformity.

The rules apply to traders on public lands only and were put in place to “regularise a situation that should not have occurred,” said Kieran Comerford, head of economic development and enterprise at Carlow Local Enterprise Office.

Their purpose is to make spaces for entrepreneurs and artisans, while also protecting businesses operating in the area. The rules also make sure that trading activities do not obstruct traffic or pedestrian areas, ensure traders comply with health and safety regulations and protect civic spaces in Carlow.

There are three sets of bye-laws in Co Carlow, one for each municipal district.

In the Tullow Municipal District, there is one space each at the Wicklow Way South Point and opposite Osborne’s pub in Clonegal for casual traders. In the Bagenalstown district, there are spaces at Milford car park, Borris’s viaduct, St Mullins car park, the Nine Stones at Mount Leinster and the Royal Oak at Bagenalstown. In the Carlow Municipal District, there are spaces at The Exchange, Carlow Town Park, Oak Park Forest Park and Browneshill dolmen.

Applications are invited from relevant parties throughout the year until the total number of trading spaces have been allocated. Event trading licences are also provided at specific sites in line with the council’s event management plan.

Regarding Carlow farmers’ market, Mr Comerford said the council would create a formal operational agreement between the market and the municipal district at its June meeting.

The new rules were welcomed by Carlow county councillors, but cllr Will Paton questioned why the town park in Tullow was excluded from the bye-laws. Mr Comerford said that there were issues with vehicular access and they would review whether it would be included once the renovation of the park is complete.