Casual trading licence,
council by council.
To sell food from a trailer in a public place in Ireland you need a casual trading licence from the local authority for that area. All 31 councils set their own fees, their own designated pitches and their own deadlines — and there is no national register. This is that missing list.
What it costs, where it’s published
7 of the 31 councils publish a fee schedule online. The rest set fees inside their bye-laws — we link straight to each council rather than guess a number.
| Council | County | Published fee |
|---|---|---|
| Clare | Clare | €660 ennis — bay type a (4.8m × 4.8m) · €330 ennis — bay type b (4.8m × 2.4m) · +1 more |
| Cork City | Cork | €10 administrative fee |
| Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown | Dublin | €63 per month or €380 per year casual trading licence · €63 application fee |
| Galway City | Galway | €65 per linear metre per year all markets |
| Kildare | Kildare | €100 per year pitch up to 3m × 3m · €200 per year pitch 3m to 6m × 3m · +1 more |
| South Dublin | Dublin | €2,000 category d — viewing point at killakee · €500 each category a — cemetery pitches |
| Waterford | Waterford | €350 standard location · €1,250 each abbeyside and youghal bridge |
All 31 licensing authorities
The rules that apply everywhere
From the Casual Trading Act 1995 — the same in all 31 areas.
- Casual trading in the Republic of Ireland is governed by the Casual Trading Act 1995. Selling food or goods in a public place without a licence from the relevant local authority is an offence under section 3.
- You apply to the local authority for the area where you want to TRADE — not where the trailer is stored or where the business is registered. Trading across three councils means three separate licences.
- Applications must be made at least 30 days before the first day you intend to trade (section 4). Several councils run a single annual window instead, so a late application can mean waiting a full year.
- Each council makes its own bye-laws under the Act. Those bye-laws set the fees, define the designated trading areas, and fix the permitted hours — which is why the numbers on this page differ so much between neighbouring counties.
- Casual trading is only lawful in a designated trading area. Trading in a public place that has not been designated is not covered by a licence, however valid that licence is elsewhere.
- Under section 4(2A), inserted by section 141 of the Finance Act 1996, the council notifies the Revenue Commissioners of the name, address and tax reference number of every licence holder. Most councils ask for a tax clearance certificate up front.
- A casual trading licence is separate from your food-business obligations. A food trailer must also be registered with the HSE Environmental Health Service on behalf of the FSAI, normally at least 28 days before you start trading.
- Some sales are exempt from the Act, including growers selling their own produce such as soft fruit and loose-skinned potatoes. Selling prepared food from a trailer is not exempt.
What almost every council asks for
Not statutory, but requested near-universally. Having these ready is the difference between a four-week turnaround and a rejected application.
- Completed application form for the specific council
- Tax clearance certificate
- Public liability insurance — €6.5m is the common minimum
- Employers liability insurance if you have staff — €13m is common
- HSE / FSAI food business registration confirmation
- RGI (Registered Gas Installer) certificate for any LPG appliance
- Sketch map or photograph of the proposed pitch
- Motor insurance covering the trailer or van in transit
Common questions
Do I need a casual trading licence for a food trailer in Ireland?
Yes, if you are selling in a public place. Under the Casual Trading Act 1995 it is an offence to trade in a public place without a licence from the local authority for that area. Trading on private land — a forecourt, a private market, a corporate plaza — is arranged with the landowner instead and falls outside the Act.
How much does a casual trading licence cost in Ireland?
It varies by council because each sets its own fees in its bye-laws. Published rates range from €100 a year for a small pitch in Kildare and €130 for a 2-metre pitch in Galway City, up to €660 for a large bay in Ennis and €2,000 for the Killakee pitch in South Dublin. Several councils publish fees only inside their bye-laws.
How far in advance do I have to apply?
Section 4 of the Casual Trading Act 1995 requires the application at least 30 days before the first day you intend to trade. Several councils instead run one annual window — Galway City advertises in September with an October close, and South Dublin sets fixed deadlines in January and February — so a late application can mean waiting a year.
Do I need a separate licence for each county I trade in?
Yes. You apply to the authority for the area where you will trade, not where the trailer is stored or the business is registered. Working three council areas means three licences. Dublin alone has four separate authorities.
Is a casual trading licence the same as food business registration?
No, they are separate and you need both. The casual trading licence is permission to occupy a public pitch. Food business registration is made with the HSE Environmental Health Service on behalf of the FSAI, normally at least 28 days before you start trading.