Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council introduced this scheme to encourage the occupation of long term Vacant Commercial Premises. The purpose of the scheme is to give an incentive to both landlords and new aspiring business owners to occupy vacant premises by lowering entry costs through a grant related to the level of rates payable on the property. By encouraging the occupation of vacant premises, the Council will also support the improvement in the appearance and attraction of commercial centres and thereby will contribute indirectly to increased footfall for existing businesses. Through the scheme, the Council will also encourage increased diversity of business activities and its positive affects on existing businesses.
This scheme provides for new businesses to receive financial assistance from the Council if they locate in premises that have been vacant for a period exceeding 6 months.
A sliding-scale refund of 75%, 50% and 25% of rates paid in the first three years on occupying a commercial premises which was previously vacant for at least 6 months. Subject to a maximum refund of €7,500, €5,000 and €2,500 respectively for each year.
Eligibility
The Scheme is applicable to the use of existing rated commercial properties vacant for a minimum of 6 months at date of application and that have been advertised for sale or lease for a minimum period of 6 months immediately prior to the date of application.
The applicant must be the owner or lessee of the subject premises and must provide proof of same.
The applicant must be an “independent” business; applications will not be accepted from large chains and multiples. The definition of “independent” will be at the discretion of the Council.
No unauthorised development can have taken place on the subject premises, and the future use must be in accordance with existing planning permission on the premises.