The Government must act immediately on unregulated liquidation sales which are taking place without any proper planning or fire and safety checks.
This is the view of Independent Galway West TD Noel Grealish who is calling on the Government to protect businesses complying with the law, by introducing a licensing mechanism for liquidation sales.
Dep Grealish said unregulated liquidation sales are having a “serious and detrimental effect on established businesses” and some of them may not be registered with the Revenue Commissioners. Being unregulated means they do not pay rates to local authorities, PAYE and PRSI for employees, or insurance, nor comply with fire and safety regulations.
“This all adds to the cost of doing business and makes it virtually impossible for established businesses to compete with operators of liquidation sales,” he said.
As a result Dep Grealish feels that a licensing mechanism is essential so that anyone wishing to hold a liquidation sale is made comply with planning, fire and safety regulations, and the Revenue Commissioners and that they will pay rates for the length of time they occupy a building.
He said any such legislation should also give gardai the authority to inspect these licences and if it cannot be produced, then the gardai should have the power to close a sale.
Dep Grealish will seek to hold a meeting with the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan on the issue
