THE large number of vape, candy, and mobile phone shops in Limerick has proved a concern for one local councillor.
At a recent Metropolitan District meeting, Fianna Fáil councillor Catherine Slattery inquired if Limerick Council limited the number of such shops on main streets of the city, and if measures are in place as to what is sold in these stores.
The City East representative also wanted answers on what rules apply for signage on the city’s main thoroughfares, such as luminous signage.
The Council explained that there are no restrictions on the number of vape, candy, or phone shops allowed in one main street, also telling the Fianna Fáil councillor that it is not aware of any measures being taken as to what is being sold in such shops.
However, the Council’s Head of Tourism, Trade, and Enterprise, Brendan Troy, said it was worth noting that the Rates Incentive Scheme for Vacant Properties excludes vape and mobile phone shops.
“In relation to signage, there are recommended standards in the Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028 that are applied when planning permission is sought. Limerick City and County Council also published the Shopfront Design Guide in July 2025, which provides guidance on appropriate shop fronts, including signage,” Mr Troy added.
At a Council meeting last September, Independent councillor Maria Donoghue called for an enforcement officer to be appointed to actively pursue poor shopfront signage in the city centre, saying such a person was required to actively focus on the removal of poor shopfront signage.
Responding to the City West representative at the time, the Council said there was no capacity to appoint one of its two officers on a full-time basis to focus on the removal of poor shopfront signage in the city centre.
“However, where a complaint is received regarding a shopfront that does not benefit from planning permission, it will be investigated a per the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2020,” the Council said