Prevalence of cash-only businesses in Waterford gives rise to human-trafficking concerns
A councillor has asked if the local planning authority is worried about the "explosion" in the prevalence of cash-only businesses in Waterford, and the potential that human-trafficking and worker exploitation is taking place.
In his query, Cllr Jason Murphy referred to a sharp rise in the number of nail bars, beauty salons, barber shops, hairdressers and carwashes across the city and county.
Whilst addressing senior planning staff this week, Cllr Murphy recalled on a meeting that was held a number of years ago between councillors and a retired high-ranking member of the Metropolitan Police in London.
Cllr Murphy said that during this meeting, the officer said that given the preponderance of nail bars, beauty salons, barber shops, hairdressers and carwashes in Waterford, that he had “no doubt there was human trafficking going on."
Cllr Murphy said last week: “I think there’s been an explosion of these cash-only and high cash turnover businesses in Waterford and in Dungarvan as well.
“Is our planning authority worried about the preponderance of these types of businesses, and if we are, have we informed the relevant authorities, be that Revenue, Immigration, or An Garda Siochana?
“I think there is a real issue around Waterford at the moment. It’s something we should be looking at as a Council.
In response to Cllr Murphy, Waterford Council Director of Services, Ivan Grimes, said that the local planning authority is not concerned about the types of businesses mentioned by Murphy.
Mr. Grimes clarified that planning permission is not required for new businesses who move into an existing premises, as long as the change in business does not constitute a material change of use.
“As long as a new business fits into the general category of the business that was situated in a building before them, permission will not be required.”
"It is only when a new business is not generally in-keeping with what was there beforehand that we would become involved.”
(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)
