Questions are being raised over the number of vape shops operating in Waterford city centre, with councillors and members of the public debating whether the retail mix has become too concentrated.

At this month’s Metropolitan District meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Jason Murphy raised concerns over what he described as a ‘huge amount’ of vape shops, beauty salons, nail bars and barbers operating in the city.

He questioned whether Waterford City and County Council has any role in controlling the number of such businesses opening, arguing that the city centre does not currently have a balanced retail offering.

Responding to the issue, Senior Planner with Waterford City and County Council Aisling O’Sullivan said there is currently no distinct planning-use class specifically for vape shops.

She said vape shops are generally treated as retail premises and, where a building already has an established retail use, a vape shop can move into the premises without necessarily requiring fresh planning permission.

Ms. O’Sullivan said the issue is gaining attention nationally and that future legislation could require vape shops to obtain planning permission in their own right.

She said such a change could give local authorities greater control over how many vape shops operate within a particular area.

WLR also spoke to members of the public in the Apple Market, where five vape shops are located within close proximity of one another.

Views were mixed.

Some said they had no issue with the number of shops, pointing to differences in products, prices and opening hours.

Others said Waterford city centre would benefit from a wider variety of businesses.

One person told WLR there were ‘far too many’ vape shops, arguing that many offered the same products and that the number of premises could make it more difficult for other local businesses to establish themselves.

Another said they would prefer to see more music and clothing shops in the city centre.

Gareth Evans, Head of Economic Development with Waterford City and County Council, said work is continuing on an implementation plan for the city’s retail strategy.

He said this could include greater engagement with landlords and shop owners, as well as the possible development of a city-centre management group.