There’s growing optimism that the commercial vacancy rate in Kilrush can be greatly reduced.
It follows massive investment in the west Clare town in recent months, which it’s hoped can be built on and in turn, boost footfall and extend tourist stays.
The latest analysis from GeoDirectory shows that Kilrush recorded the highest commercial vacancy rate in Munster, with 25.9% of the town’s businesses empty at the end of June.
Concern has been raised in the past that this could result in the town struggling economically into the future, but there’s growing optimism about a change in the town’s fortunes.
The investment of 3.5 million euro in rural development funding in the Kilrush Maritime Training Centre has been hailed as a gamechanger.
Half a million euro in funding has also recently been granted for Cappa Pier, while construction is nearing completion on expansion works at the Vandaleur Walled Gardens.
Speaking as part of a special broadcast on Clare FM’s Morning Focus, Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says 17 further projects are in the pipeline and he’s confident that the empty units will be filled by businesses.
Currently, there 125 businesses in the town, employing 1,000 people, but one local businesses owner believes that to ensure further growth, existing businesses will need to come together to promote the town.
The newly established Kilrush Business Community Forum aims to achieve that.
Owner of Kilrush Laundry, Niamh Madigan says it’s important that old and new businesses blend together to encourage people to visit the town.
