Limerick City and County Council operates a Vacant Premises Rates Incentive Scheme to aid regeneration of towns and villages and support job creation by viable businesses.
The scheme will operate from the 1st of January 2026 to 31st December 2026 and aims to be the most ambitious retail rates incentive scheme in the country. This grant is intended to incentivise and encourage reoccupation of vacant retail/commercial properties to combat vacancy in the core retail area of Limerick City Centre and some county towns. Within Limerick City Centre, this pilot scheme will be made available to new businesses who meet the eligibility criteria.
Furthermore, the scheme will be made available to new eligible businesses opening in the centre of towns within each of the three Municipal Districts of: Adare-Rathkeale, Cappamore-Kilmallock and Newcastle West. To qualify for the scheme the property must be vacant for a minimum period of 6 months on the day the application form is submitted to Limerick City and County Council.
The grant is available where there is evidence of a full year’s rates payable to Limerick City and County Council and Tax Clearance verification from Revenue.
Scheme Criteria
4 Year Incentivised Scheme - Rates are to be paid in full by the occupier every year. Once the annual rates are cleared in full, the grant can be availed of.
- 100% Grant of value of commercial rates, subject to maximum of €12,000 in Year 1.
- 75% Grant of value of commercial rates, subject to maximum of €9,000 in Year 2.
- 50% Grant of value of commercial rates, subject to maximum of €6,000 in Year 3.
- 25% Grant of value of commercial rates, subject to maximum of €3,000 in Year 4.
The unit must be rated.
The business must be trading to avail of the grant.
Applicants who avail of scheme will not be affected by cessation or revision of this scheme.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran commented:
“The revitalisation of Limerick city centre and our key county towns centres around what we’re looking to deliver through the More for Limerick mayoral programme. By supporting earlier occupation of these spaces, we can strengthen our town centres – indeed, not just the city centre but the likes of Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock, Askeaton and beyond - and increase footfall in a way that delivers economic, social and community benefits all across Limerick. The contribution of small and medium business are essential for a thriving Limerick and they will not be left wanting when it comes to our support.”
Príomh Comhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Catherine Slattery, said:
“This scheme reflects our commitment to making Limerick an attractive place to do business while ensuring our city centre and towns remain vibrant, active and welcoming. We are encouraging local businesses to avail of this opportunity to support long-term occupation of these premises.”
Dr. Pat Daly, Director General, Limerick City and County Council, added:
“By assisting businesses in the current economic climate, we are showing our commitment to keep our city centre and towns populated with local thriving businesses. A prospering city centre welcomes more job creation to Limerick.”
Cllr. Peter Doyle, Chair of the Economic Development, Enterprise, Tourism and Planning SPC, welcomed the initiative:
“A thriving local SME sector is key to sustaining our communities and driving long-term job creation throughout Limerick. This new rates initiative reinforces our commitment to doing our utmost to support locally owned businesses.”
All applications will be subject to review by Limerick City and County Council and any award or otherwise, will be at the Council's discretion.
For more information on the scheme, please visit: Vacant Business Premises Rates Incentive Scheme | Limerick.ie