Council launch Vacant Commercial Property Incentive Scheme
Offaly and Laois County Councils have collaborated with Laois Chamber Alliance and the Portarlington Business Association to launch the Vacant Commercial Property Incentive Scheme in Portarlington. The scheme was initially piloted in Portlaoise.
Head of Local Enterprise Office, Offaly County Council, Orla Martin, welcomed the partnership with Laois County Council, Laois Chamber Alliance and the Portarlington Business Association, noting the scheme will encourage occupation of vacant commercial properties and will enhance the appearance and attraction of the town, contributing indirectly to increased footfall for existing businesses.
The scheme will also assist in addressing vacant retail units in Portarlington, in addition to supporting job creation, developing new markets and supporting existing businesses. LEO Offaly has a number of productivity tools to assist business owners and these initiatives include LEAN for Micro, Green for Micro and Digital Start. Businesses looking to start or boost online retail can apply for the Trading Online Vouchers.
Speaking at the launch of the scheme in Portarlington, Brenda Earl of the Business Support Unit, Laois County Council, said:
“We are excited to collaborate on this project with Offaly County Council the Laois Chamber Alliance and the Portarlington Business Association. It is a significant opportunity for businesses and property owners alike, which, has the potential to transform the Town Centre by reducing the level of vacancy in Portarlington.”
The Vacant Commercial Property Incentive Scheme offers a suite of eleven potential financial supports and mentoring opportunities, for new or existing businesses interested in leasing or renting a premises that has been vacant for six months or more. This scheme has been extended to Portarlington to encourage uptake by new and potential businesses on the town’s Main Street and its surrounding areas.
The suite of incentives includes grants such as the Shop Grant Improvement and Accessibility Scheme, Shop Fit Out Scheme, a business promotion package with Laois Chamber Alliance, and a complimentary HR advice session with Laois-based Iridium HR.
Caroline Hofman, on behalf of Laois Chamber Alliance welcomed the extension of the scheme.
“Laois Chamber Alliance is delighted to be working with Laois and Offaly County Councils and the Portarlington Business Association to extend this scheme to Portarlington following a successful pilot in Portlaoise. We would encourage any business looking at leasing or renting a premises in Portarlington to liaise with us and to see what grants and supports are available to them.
It is an excellent scheme that will encourage the uptake of vacant and derelict buildings by new or expanding businesses, enhancing the town and contributing to the fabric of Portarlington’s Main Street and its environs. We look forward to the scheme being extended to other parts of the county in early course.”
Independent TD Dr Cathal Berry on behalf of Portarlington Business Association said:
“Massive thanks and credit due to Laois and Offaly County Councils and Laois Chamber Alliance for all their hard work on the launch of the Vacant Commercial Property Incentive Scheme in Portarlington.
It really is a fantastic opportunity for our local businesses and property owners to revamp and revitalise the town centre, along with ongoing work on the Market Square Regeneration, the Cinema Exploration Project and the Coláiste Íosagáin New Build. It is fantastic to see this scheme being rolled out as well to help further address the dereliction in the town. Great to see such positive progress taking place."
Anyone interested in availing of the scheme should contact Brenda Earl or Sheila Cahill, Business Support Unit Laois County Council on 057 8664015, or Laois Chamber Alliance on 085 2566522 or e-mail info@laoischamber.ie.