Council launch new scheme to encourage use of vacant premises
The county council are keen to see vacant commercial premises in use for several reasons, including providing employment opportunities, generating economic activity and to improve the appearance of towns and villages, said the cathaoirleach.
Cllr Paddy Hill was speaking at the launch of a new Business Incentive Scheme last Wednesday, when council director of services, Barry Kehoe, informed those present that Westmeath County Council recognises the impact of the recession on the business community and society at large.
People are struggling to make ends meet and many businesses are struggling to remain open, he said, and unfortunately, many businesses have also 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.”
Details of the scheme were announced by Christine Charlton, head of Enterprise, Westmeath County Council, who said that grants may be paid by the council to qualifying applicants in respect of qualifying property as follows:
• Year 1: Grant payable equivalent to 40% of rate demand for subject year
• Year 2: Grant payable equivalent to 30% of rate demand for subject year
• Year 3: Grant payable equivalent to 20% of rate demand for subject year
The property must have been vacant for a minimum period of six months immediately prior to October 1, 2014 and have the appropriate permission and consents for the proposed use.
The grant will be paid within four weeks of the payment of the annual commercial rate demand for that year for the property in question, or more frequently if agreed between the council and the ratepayer. The grant payable will not exceed 40% of the rates paid.
Further details of the scheme from, Rates Section, Westmeath County Council 044 9332264 or the Local Enterprise Office on 044 9338945.