Council launches incentives to tackle commercial vacancies

On a short stroll from The Prince of Wales Hotel in the heart of Church Street to the Westmeath Independent offices in Irishtown, I counted nine vacant commercial premises.
That’s a situation that’s replicated and, in many cases, is far worse in many rural and urban areas of the county where empty buildings and units have become the norm since the recession struck.
Now a new scheme by Westmeath County Council is hoping to remedy the problem by offering retailers and businesses a 40% refund of their commercial rates bill to takeover premises left vacant for more than six months and, in doing so, breathe new life into some of the 'ghost’ towns and villages across the county.
Standing in for Westmeath County Council CEO, Pat Gallagher, who was unable to attend the launch of the scheme, Director of Services Barry Kehoe commented that the local authority wants to “give oxygen” to the recovery that is underway and to assist businesses in any way it can to rebuild after the effects of recession of the last few years.
“Unfortunately, many businesses have closed and there are vacant premises throughout the county. These vacant premises can be visually detrimental in an area and are an untapped resource in terms of economic enterprise and activity and this is one of the measures that Westmeath County Council have put in place to encourage enterprise,” said Mr Kehoe.
Outlining exact details of the incentive scheme on offer on Wednesday, Christine Charlton, Head of Enterprise, Westmeath County Council, explained that the three-year scheme will offer those occupying empty premises a grant payable equivalent to 40% of their rate demand for the first twelve months. In year two that becomes 30%, and in a year three it drops to 20% of the rate demand.
Anyone who wants to avail of the countywide initiative must move into a property that has been vacant for at least six months prior to October 1, 2014, and all proper permission must be in place for the particular proposed use.
The premises should be owned by the applicant or be subject to a twelve month lease to qualify, while a tax clearance certificate is also a requirement.
Speaking to a large audience from the local business community, Ms Charlton confirmed that the grant will be paid within four weeks of the payment of annual rate demand for the property in question. The grant payable will not exceed 40% of the rates paid.
Officially launching the business incentive scheme, Cllr Paddy Hill, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, enthused that the council is extremely keen that vacant units in every town and village in Westmeath are put to use for a number of reasons; firstly the employment generated, secondly; the impact on the appearance in all areas of the county and of course, finally to generate more rates income in future which allows them provide more services in the future.
Encouraging people to see vacant properties as an “unused assets” in every area of the county, Cllr Hill appealed to anyone thinking of setting up any type of business, big or small, to contact the council at 044 9332264 or by calling the Local Enterprise Office on 044 9338945.