Council probe into Tyrone merchandise street traders

OFFICIALS from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council are to launch an investigation into street traders selling Tyrone flags and other merchandise in Omagh.

Tyrone play Mayo in the All-Ireland Final on Sunday and the traders have been operating at a number of pop-up sites in the town centre since the win over Kerry in the semi-final a few weeks ago.

But now the council is to look into the credentials of the traders, amidst concerns over whether or not they are properly licensed. All traders require a licence to sell merchandise either in a shop or on the street.

It follows complaints by a number of ratepaying traders which were raised at a meeting of the council’s environmental services committee on Wednesday night.

Omagh Town Sinn Fein councillor, Barry McElduff, said that he had been contacted by a number of town centre traders over the matter.

“This is a very exciting time for the whole county and the atmosphere to the final is building,” he said.

“I would encourage supporters to purchase their merchandise from local ratepaying businesses in local towns and villages, including sports shops, newsagents and other premises or their local GAA clubs.”

With the big match now just days away, there has been a busy trade in merchandise as supporters buy flags, bunting and other items to decorate their homes.