Kerry County Council will begin a public consultation on its draft Commercial Rates Waiver Scheme 2026 in the coming weeks.
The scheme aims to address vacancy rates in towns and villages across the county.
Its purpose is to encourage the use of commercial properties that have been vacant for at least two consecutive years, and to attract new or expanding businesses to occupy these premises.
The council’s director of economic and community development, Niamh O'Sullivan, informed councillors that the scheme would be primarily targeted at new businesses.
The main focus would be on start-ups and creative sector enterprises that face difficulties in accessing premises.
It may also support clusters or networks of small businesses, particularly those backed by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO).
However, some existing Kerry businesses could be eligible for the rates waiver if they open a second location elsewhere in the county, provided this does not displace any business already operating in that area.
Additionally, Ms O'Sullivan noted that the scheme may consider businesses from outside the county that wish to establish a new branch in Kerry.
The waiver would provide businesses moving into long-vacant commercial properties with a sliding scale of commercial rates relief: 100% in year one, 50% in year two, 20% in year three, and none from year four onwards.
The council’s Economic Development, Enterprise and Community Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) has endorsed the draft scheme.
Councillors were told at yesterday’s meeting that the statutory public consultation will begin in the coming weeks.
Members of the public, businesses, and other stakeholders will then be invited to submit written feedback on the proposal.
A formal report summarising this feedback will be prepared and may lead to amendments to the draft scheme.
The SPC must make its final recommendation by 30th June.
The final version will be considered for approval at the council's annual budget meeting for inclusion in the 2026 Kerry County Council budget.
If approved, the scheme will come into effect in January 2026.
