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Notice of Consideration of a Scheme for the Abatement of Rates in Respect of Vacant Properties

2 October 2025

Submission deadline: Friday October 17, 2025

Section 9 of the Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 makes specific provision that elected members of a local authority may make a scheme providing for the abatement of rates (reduction or partial exemption from commercial rates applied) in respect of vacant properties, and that such a scheme shall be approved at the local authority budget meeting, concerning the local financial year to which the scheme shall apply.

Properties for leasing

Vacant Properties are currently considered as properties that are unoccupied for reasons:

  • Renovation or redevelopment
  • Inability to find a suitable tenant at a reasonable rent

Clare County Council will consider a scheme providing for abatement of rates in respect of vacant properties, applying in the 2026 local financial year. Clare County Council welcomes written submissions from the public on this matter specifically covering the potential effects of a scheme providing for the abatement of rates in respect of vacant properties on businesses, individuals and on local authority services.

Submissions must be received by 17th October 2025 and may be made using one of the following methods:

  1. Online through our consultation hub https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/vacancy-scheme-2026

  2. By email to: vacantsubmissions@clarecoco.ie

  3. By post to:

    Abatement of Rates Submissions,
    Rates Department,
    Finance and Support Services Directorate,
    Clare County Council,
    Áras Contae an Chláir,
    New Road,
    Ennis,
    Co. Clare
    V95 DXP2

    Submissions should be clearly marked “Abatement of Rates Submissions”.

Please note that this is a public consultation process and submissions may be published on the Clare County Council website.

Closing Date

Friday October 17, 2025

Contact

Finance Department
Clare County Council
New Road Ennis
Co. Clare
Email: vacantsubmissions@clarecoco.ie

Page last updated: 07/07/25

Content managed by: Finance Department

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