New byelaws open up casual trading opportunities

Coal Quay traders will lose some of their uniqueness this year after Cork City Council passed new casual trading byelaws recently.

The previous casual trading byelaws for Cork city were instituted in 1996. Under the 1996 byelaws, there was only one designated casual trading area in Cork city, that being the Cornmarket Street and Kyle Street area. The new byelaws will increase this number to ten - extending from Ballincollig Regional Park in the west to Blackrock Pier in the east. Other areas include the Ferry Walk at Fitzgerald Park, Harley Street pedestrian area, Douglas Park, Murphy's Farm Park, Harty's Quay car park, and the Clogheenmilcon Walkway, Blarney.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council said: “The extension of the city boundary and changed living patterns of recent years necessitated an increase in the number of designated trading areas within the city area. The byelaws will regulate these new areas and the trading conducted within them.”

The byelaws designate new casual trading areas and the aim is to update and strengthen the rules for trading and the criteria for allocating pitches “in order to promote the highest quality trading and ensure the vibrancy and viability of our markets and public spaces,” say Cork City Council.

Speaking about the updated byelaws, Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy said: "These byelaws represent a milestone for an important body of work from our history of trading in Cornmarket street and Kyle Street to another 8 designated areas. The city council will work closely with our traders to make them a success and I wish our traders well in their trade for 2024."

"Casual trading has played a vital role in Cork city’s history and tradition, and these byelaws will protect and regulate this. Their publication follows a consultation process with key stakeholders and receipt of submissions following the statutory process.

“The city council wishes to thank all stakeholders for their continued co-operation for this important body of work for our city and will continue to liaise to make this work a success.”

Copies of the casual trading byelaws are available for public inspection during normal office hours at Cork City Hall, Anglesea Street, or may be viewed online at www.corkcity.ie. The byelaws will commence on 1 March 2024.