Kildare scheme incentivises reoccupation of vacant shops
Áras Chill Dara
Kildare County Council has announced that it has opened applications for its commercial rates incentive waiver scheme for 2026. The scheme offers a three-year partial waiver to eligible entrepreneurs and businesses who occupy a property that has been vacant for at two years or more.
The scheme is aimed at encouraging the reoccupation of vacant commercial premises in the county. KCC said the following on the matter:
“This scheme, which will complement the highly successful Shop Front Grants Scheme already available through Kildare County Council, aims to promote business creation, enhance the prosperity of our commercial spaces and improve the economic welfare of Kildare’s towns and villages.”
In a social media post, Kildare-Newbridge cllr Chris Pender encouraged those thinking of starting a business to get involved in the scheme, saying that “vacant shops hurt our towns. They reduce footfall, discourage investment, and leave buildings sitting idle.”
Further details and the on-line application form can be accessed through Kildare County Council’s website. For enquiries, contact the Commercial Rates team on (045) 980 656 or by email at rates@kildarecoco.ie
