Cork City Council says it can’t do anything about rows of vape shops on famous thoroughfare
Cork City Council stated it lacks the legal authority to regulate the increasing number of vape shops on St Patrick's Street.Summary
Cork City Council officials informed councillors that they are currently unable to control the proliferation of vape shops appearing on St Patrick's Street, a major thoroughfare in Cork city. Councillor Kieran McCarthy raised concerns about the impact of numerous vape shops in close proximity on the street’s appearance, following complaints from the public. Niall O'Donnabhain, Director of Services for Planning and Integrated Development, explained that existing legislation defines vape shops as retail establishments, and changing a shop’s use to a vape shop does not violate planning regulations unless it negatively impacts the architectural character of a building within a designated conservation area. The council is exploring options such as designating more areas as architectural conservation areas to gain control over business types, while also investing €200,000 in revitalizing Patrick’s Street through facade improvements and shopfront upgrades as part of a broader city centre action plan.
(Source：Independent.ie)
