A new initiative is being proposed to bring vacant shops back into use and revitalise town centres across Ireland.

 

The 'Vacant to Vibrant' programme would initially target 26 towns, matching empty premises with businesses needed locally.

 

Local authorities and enterprise offices would offer prospective business owners advice, mentoring and marketing support.

 

GeoDirectory figures consistently place Sligo as the county with the highest commercial vacancy rate in the country.  However these figures have been disputed by local Councillors.

 Earlier this year Sligo and Letterkenny were among five new towns officially added to a tax relief scheme aimed at tackling vacancy and dereliction.

 

Junior Minister for Retail, Alan Dillon, says empty shopfronts need to become thriving businesses:

A new initiative is being proposed to bring vacant shops back into use and revitalise town centres across Ireland.
&nbsp;
The 'Vacant to Vibrant' programme would initially target 26 towns, matching empty premises with businesses needed locally.
&nbsp;
Local authorities and enterprise offices would offer prospective business owners advice, mentoring and marketing support.
&nbsp;
GeoDirectory figures consistently place Sligo as the county with the highest commercial vacancy rate in the country.&nbsp; However these figures have been disputed by local Councillors.
&nbsp;Earlier this year Sligo and Letterkenny were among five new towns officially added to a tax relief scheme aimed at tackling vacancy and dereliction.
&nbsp;
Junior Minister for Retail, Alan Dillon, says empty shopfronts need to become thriving businesses:

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