It’s claimed Clare towns heavily impacted by commercial vacancy need to provide key day-time and night-time economy attractions to compete with online shopping and boost footfall.
The latest report from GeoDirectory shows both Shannon and Kilrush are well above the national average when it comes to empty industrial buildings.
The level of commercial vacancy in Clare continues to be marginally above the national average, clocking in at 15.7%.
A constant point of concern emerging from GeoDirectory’s twice yearly analysis of industrial buildings though, is just how acutely Clare’s towns are affected, with Shannon doubling the national average of 14.% and Kilrush more than 10% above.
According to GeoDirectory’s CEO, towns are particularly struggling to compete with the pandora’s box of online shopping.
Dara Keogh insists urban areas such as Kilrush and Shannon need to provide prominent day-time and night-time activities that will increase footfall and spending in local businesses.
Shannon once again recorded the highest rate of commercial vacancy in Clare at 29.8%, the figure was also the highest in Munster and third-highest nationwide.
According to a local representative though, this trend could soon be about to change, as many of the unoccupied premises are turnkey developments in Shannon’s industrial estates, or units soon to be filled in Shannon Town Centre.
Local Fine Gael Councillor, Tony Mulcahy insists he’s received assurances that buildings owned by Shannon Commercial Properties will be filled by multinational companies in the next 6-7 months and believes the town is in a good position.
The level of commercial vacancy in Kilrush remains unchanged however, recording a level of 24.5% for the second year in a row.
Over the last twelve months, the town has bucked the national trend seeing four new restaurants open their doors, but the loss of two former accommodation providers has been a big hit to the local economy.
A feasibility study is currently underway to determine a future business or market use for the former Mars Cinema Building which closed its doors in 1991.
The Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District believes a community-led approach is needed to revitalise the town and is confident new businesses will come to the town as Moneypoint transitions to a renewable energy’s hub.
But Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney insists creative solutions from government are needed too, such as introducing a commercial vacant property refurbishment scheme and reducing rates and charges for local enterprises.
You can listen to the full interview below.
