Clare’s main towns have some of the highest rates of commercial vacancies of any area in Ireland.
A quarterly report published by GeoDirectory and DKM Economic Consultants has found that nearly 700 commercial units or premises in Clare are vacant.
At 11.6%, this rate is lower than the national average, but the figures for Clare’s towns suggest that businesses are struggling most in more built-up areas.
16% of commercial properties in Ennis are not being used, with the figure for Kilrush at nearly 19%.
While at just over 20%, Shannon has the highest level of vacant commercial properties of any town in Munster.
In all, there are 27,400 vacant commercial properties in throughout Ireland.