Unregulated roadside car sales frustrating businesses and locals in Leitrim town

Frustration is growing in Carrick-on-Shannon over what appears to be vehicles parked outside local businesses for private sale.

The cars, which have been spotted outside the Landmark and Fresh Today, are causing concern among locals due to pedestrian safety risks, a reduction in available parking spaces, and obstruction of views for both businesses and road users.

The issue originally surfaced a few years ago and gradually faded, but it has re-emerged.

It is understood that the Council has been provided with a list of vehicle registration numbers linked to the location. 

While the Council has reportedly contacted the owners, the situation continues to persist.

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Local man Johnny Beirne observed that on Monday, July 21, six cars were parked up for sale at the spot, two more than had been there over the weekend. "One day I counted nine," he added.

Highlighting safety concerns, Mr Beirne described witnessing a pedestrian stop to inspect a campervan being sold, standing directly on the busy N4. “It reminded me how much of a liability it is. Then there’s people driving by and slamming on the brakes,” he said.

He also believes the problem is being compounded by inaction, as the continued presence of cars for sale is leading others to assume it is an acceptable place to park vehicles for that purpose.

Mr Beirne suggested a simple deterrent could be effective. “It wouldn’t take a lot to put up a sign,” he said, proposing that cars advertised for sale be removed. He added that local businesses are “frustrated” by the ongoing issue.

He also praised the efforts of Carrick-on-Shannon's active Tidy Towns committee, stating the parked cars undermine the work being done to maintain and improve the town’s appearance. “It’s crazy this is being let go,” he remarked.

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Under Section 71 of the Roads Act 1993, it is an offence to place a vehicle on a public road for the purpose of sale or advertising without lawful authority. 

The legislation empowers local authorities or Gardaí to remove and store such vehicles, with the possibility of seizure if they are not reclaimed within a specified period.