Clare is believed to have a shortage of over 1,000 hotel beds.
Incentivising the construction of new tourism accommodation is just one of the aims of a new scheme proposed by Clare County Council’s Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee.
Public consultation is to take place on a waiver scheme that would give a reduction in commercial rates to certain businesses in Clare over a three-year period.
Under the proposal, new-build hotels, hostels, recreational vehicle campervan sites, nursing homes and creches would all be eligible for a reduction.
Those redeveloping vacant units for hospitality or nursing home purposes would also be able to avail of the scheme, as would businesses located on ground floors where the upper floors are converted to residential accommodation from 2026 onwards.
Figures from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment show there are currently 9,574 hotel bed spaces in Clare which is 337 fewer than in 2023.
Clare County Council Economic Development SPC member, Quilty Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Shannon, insists there needs to be incentives for prospective providers to enter the market.
A 14-day public consultation period on the proposed scheme will commence in the near future.
If adopted, any costs associated with the scheme are to be paid in Clare County Council’s budget process either through an increase in commercial rates or a reduction in discretionary expenditure.
It’s also stated that the scheme “must be of economic benefit to the county of Clare”
Senior Executive Officer in Clare County Council’s Economic Development Directorate Leonore O’Neill believes it’s a worthwhile endeavour.
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