A proposal to reduce commercial rates for certain new businesses in Clare will go to public consultation in the near future.
Clare County Council’s Economic Strategic Policy Committee has proposed the scheme which would involve a reduction in rates for traders in a number of sectors over a three-year period on a countywide basis.
If adopted, the scheme would see various types of businesses in Clare benefit from a commercial rates waiver over three years.
The premises covered by the initiative would include new-build hotels or redeveloped vacant units for hospitality purposes.
In the case of redeveloped units for this purpose, the scheme stipulates they must be vacant for a minimum of five years prior to the submission of the planning application to qualify.
New-build recreational vehicle campervan sites are covered by the scheme as are new-build nursing homes or redeveloped vacant units nursing home purposes.
The proposal would also offer a waiver to new-build creches providing private childcare, and ground floor commercially-rated premises where upper floors are converted from 2026 onwards to provide new residential accommodation for owner-occupation or long-term letting.
Under the scheme, the eligible businesses would enjoy a rates waiver of 75% in the first year, 50% in the second year and 25% in the third year.
For those developing derelict sites meanwhile, the waiver would be 85% in year one followed by 60% in year two and 35% in year three.
