Roll out of new vacant property scheme planned for 2027

A new scheme aimed at tackling dereliction and revitalising vacant commercial properties in Roscommon is set to be introduced in 2027.

The initiative, which seeks to encourage new businesses, via a potential rates waiver, to occupy unused buildings, aims to rejuvenate towns and villages across the county.

Sean Mullarkey, Director of Finance, Governance, Enterprise, Energy, Assets, Emergency Services, and Boyle Municipal District Manager, explained that the new scheme would complement the government’s ‘Over The Shop’ programme, which supports the reuse of vacant upper floors above commercial premises.

Mullarkey highlighted that the primary focus of the scheme was to address dereliction and encourage active use of vacant buildings.

"This scheme is dove-tailing on a government 'Over The Shop' scheme. The purpose of this scheme is to tackle dereliction and for new businesses to occupy these buildings," Mullarkey said.

"I'm proposing we don't introduce the scheme until 2027."

He added that the council would be flexible with rates charges for owners actively working to bring their properties back into use.

"If we see that it's available to sell or to rent, or there's significant renovations, we'll waive the rates. We want to see that they're actively trying to do something."

The scheme, which was recommended by the Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) on September 15, 2023, addresses the issue of rates for vacant properties.

Mullarkey further outlined that the aim is to delist vacant commercial properties that are no longer in use and repurpose them for other functions, in line with the broader goal of rejuvenating communities.

The scheme will largely focus on bringing business back into vacant units in town centre areas.

Councillors noted that the issue of buildings with both commercial and residential elements are cause for concern, as there are a number of them throughout Roscommon.

Cllr Tom Crosby agreed that the Vacant Property Scheme is to be encouraged, but noted that time is required for considerations.

"Dereliction is a blight in our towns and villages. Maybe we need a little bit of time here."

Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice expressed concerns over elderly tenants who have "contributed to the rates system throughout their lifetime" and are now living in a residential unit with a commercial space connected to it.

"We would have quite a lot of units that would have a commercial and a residential element to it, and people are living there," said Cllr Fitzmaurice. "From a planning side, will they need a change of use? Are you forcing people to bring in a full planning application? I would be concerned."

"We need to look at the dereliction in our towns, we need to try to inspire commercial activity," said Cllr Ruth Conboy. "I would suggest that supports from the Local Enterprise Office be included in the information pack about what rents would be recommended."

Addressing concerns by members about elderly tenants who are living in units with a commercial space that was once used as a family shop or business, Cllr John Keogh asked that discretion would be applied by the Director of Finance to Owners/Occupiers if an application is put in by them.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme