Kerry councillor calls for end on tax exemptions for vacant properties ‘depressing’ town centres

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

A Kerry councillor has called for the end of tax exemptions on vacant commercial properties that are “depressing” town centres.

Councillor Paul Daly urged the council to take action on long-standing vacant buildings and create an incentive for alternative use.

He said some properties in the centre of Tralee have been vacant for over 10 years and their status needed to be reviewed.

“It does have a depressing effect on businesses and the general area. Something needs to be done, I don’t see why someone doesn’t pay rates if they own a vacant property. There’s no incentive for them to rent out a property if they don’t really want to,” he said.

“I don’t think its fair on the rate payers in town. I really don’t think it is for businesses that are trying their best to keep afloat and keep going, and do something for the centre of town. It must be quite annoying for them.”

While commercial rates are technically due even if a commercial unit is vacant, under certain conditions an owner can apply for a rates exemption.

This can either be a genuine inability to find a new tenant or the execution of repairs or alterations on the building.

Cllr Daly said he found it “hard to believe” that owners of long term vacant premises were unable to find someone to rent them out.

“First question would be is the rent too high? If it isn’t, then maybe the property could be rented out with an incentive for the owner? It could be given to pop-up shops or leased for a community event…could some of the spaces above the property be turned into residential units,” he said.

“If they don’t have the money, why don’t they sell the property? Surely there’s a willing buyer out there who would be happy to invest.”

Kerry County Council also provide a grant for refurbishment of private vacant properties with the maximum amount set at €50,000 for vacant properties and €70,000 for derelict.

Cllr Daly suggested property owners may be unaware of the funding and the council should reach out to them directly to consider their individual situations.

While Tralee’s town centre has a number of vacant buildings, Cllr Daly praised the recent reopening of two commercial units in town near Bridge Street.

He said it had a “massive positive effect” on the nearby area, increasing footfall and the numbers of people shopping there.

To achieve similar results at other units, he urged to council to be more proactive with vacancies and work in tandem with owners to rejuvenate the neglected areas in the town.

“You want a vibrant town centre. It’s about cooperation with owners who have left their properties vacant for a long time. It a question of why – do they know there are grants available or are their rents too high,” he said.

“Many businesses are struggling with online shopping and the cost of living crisis…but the council and property owners need to be doing everything they can to get all vacant properties back into use.”

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