Concerns raised over human trafficking amid ‘explosion’ of ‘cash only’ shops in Waterford
The issue was raised at the September plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council
Concerns have been raised over human trafficking amid a recent “explosion” of “cash only” shops in Waterford.
The issue was raised by Fianna Fáil councillor Jason Murphy at the September plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council.
In particular, Cllr Murphy reflected on a seminar which local councillors attended several years ago.
He stated: “I remember a number of years ago, a retired high-ranking member of the Metropolitan Police of London gave a presentation to councillors.
“It took place in De La Salle school and it was around human trafficking and exploitation.”
Cllr Murphy detailed how the former policeman believed that human trafficking was taking place in Waterford at that time.
“I remember a question was asked at that seminar, did he believe that human trafficking and exploitation was taking place in Waterford.”
“He said he had done a walk through Waterford city and eventually he would do the same walk through Dungarvan.
“He said that given the preponderance of nail bars, beauty salons, barbers shops, hairdressers and car washes, he had no doubt that there was human trafficking going on in Waterford and exploitation of workers.”
Cllr Murphy highlighted how in many cases, such crimes involve the exploitation of foreign nationals, and in particular, young women.
He continued: “That was four or five years ago and I think that there’s been an explosion of these kinds of cash only and high cash turnover businesses in Waterford and throughout the county, in Dungarvan as well.
“Is our planning authority worried about the preponderance of these types of businesses?
“If we are, have we concerned the relevant authorities about it, be that Revenue, be that immigration or be that An Garda Síochána because I think there’s a real issue around Waterford at the moment.”
“There’s an explosion of these kinds of businesses and I think it’s something we should be looking at as a council,” Cllr Murphy concluded.
In response, Director of Services Ivan Grimes said that council management was not concerned over the prevalence of such businesses.
Mr Grimes said: “The planning authority doesn’t have any concerns in relation to the types of businesses mentioned.
“The implication in the question is that planning permission is required for these businesses to open. That’s not the case.
“As long as they fit within the general category of the buildings that were there beforehand, permission may not be required.”
He continued by reiterating that the council does not have to grant planning permission for a business to open.
“It’s only when they’re proposed to open and they’re not generally in keeping with what was there beforehand that we would become involved,” Mr Grimes concluded.