Posted online: May 30th, 2008

By Elaine McFadden
elaine@letterkennypost.com
Chip vans and other casual traders on the streets of Letterkenny are under scrutiny from the Gardaí this week after one van was seized last Saturday night in the town.
As part of what is being described as a crack down on breaches of the Casual Trading Act of 1995, Gardaí detained and impounded the chip van which was situated around the Station Roundabout in Letterkenny over the weekend.
The seizure is part of an ongoing investigation in the Town Council area, according to a spokesperson from the Gardaí, who said that the operation involves street traders also.
A local fast food businessman, who has previously called for tighter restrictions under the Casual Trading Law, said this week that it is good too see some progress.
Kevin Grimes who owns the Four Lanterns chain on Letterkenny’s Main Street and Port Road said that more of Saturday night’s incidences are what is needed.
“It’s great to see some movement from our point of view,” Kevin told the Letterkenny Post.
“It may only take a small amount of this kind of enforcement to deal with the issue.
“These traders are still working from illegal spots. And while we always clean up the outside of our premises on a Saturday night, I’m sure the street cleaner’s who are there every night when I’m going home, will be able to tell you who is not doing their bit also,” he continued.
Kevin has in the past written a letter to the Enforcement Office on the Letterkenny Town Council in relation to the illegal traders and their breaches of the Casual Trading Law. He says he has never received a reply to the letter but he is happy to see this week’s actions.
“We certainly welcome any enforcement of the Casual Trading Laws and I am happy to see that has begun,” he concluded.