Town Centre Blues: Leixlip Tops List With Highest Commercial Vacancy Rate In Kildare

Tuesday, 27 February 2024 11:24

By Martin Osborne

The commercial vacancy rate in Kildare rose to 14.4% in December 2023.

New figures show town centres need help as the number of vacant commerical properties stands at its highest rate since records began.

According to the latest GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report, the commercial vacancy rate in Kildare rose to 14.4% in December 2023, surpassing the national average of 14.3%.

Leixlip registered the highest commercial vacancy rate at 15.9%, contrasting with Maynooth's lower rate of 12.6%.

At 20.5%, Sligo recorded the highest county commercial vacancy rate, followed by Galway (18.5%) and Donegal (18.2%).

The lowest commercial vacancy rates were recorded in Meath (10.1%), Wexford (10.5%) and Cork (12.2%).

Action plans transforming one town centre in every county are set to be unveiled by the Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphries tomorrow.

GeoDirectory CEO Dara Keogh says schemes like the Town Centre First policy are vital to making sure we don't slip further with our vacancy rates.

More from Local News

Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Kfm Obituary Notices

Kfm obituaries notices are broadcast daily following the 8am, 10am, 1pm, 5pm news
Gardaí Arrest Third Suspect As Part Of Investigation Into Multi-County Crime Spree, Including In Kildare

It’s alleged vehicles were stolen from advertisers across multiple counties - including Kildare - using fake payment methods.
Entire Country Under Status Yellow Ice Warning From Tomorrow

Met Éireann is warning temperatures could drop between -1 and -3 degrees, with hazardous conditions for drivers, pedestrians and other road users
No Specific Works Programme In Place To Help Older Tenants Access Their Homes, Says Council

The admission came in response to a question from Councillor Fintan Brett (FG), who raised concerns about older housing estates including St Brigid’s Terrace in Sallins and St Patrick’s Park in Kill.