Longford businesses vacating premises at increasing rate as cost pressures mount

The number of Longford businesses vacating their premises continues to rise, amid rising pressures on the industry.

That’s according to the latest GeoDirectory Commercial Vacancy Rates Report, which was published last week.

The report details each county’s commercial vacancy rate, which measures the number of commercial properties that are unoccupied or available for rent or purchase,

Longford’s commercial vacancy rate now stands at 14.8%, which is higher than the national average of 14.6% and represents an increase of 0.1% on last year.

Of the urban areas in Longford surveyed, Edgeworthstown had the highest commercial vacancy rate (27.5%), while Longford Town had the lowest (20.7%)

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The highest commercial vacancy rates continue to be found in the west of the country with Sligo, at 20.8%, recording the highest proportion of vacant commercial units in Q2 2025.

Donegal (20.3%), Galway (18.7%), Leitrim (18%) and Limerick (17.9%) rounded off the top five counties with the highest commercial vacancy rates.

Commenting on these figures, Annette Hughes, Director at EY Economic Advisory, said: “Overall the commercial vacancy rate is continuing its upward trajectory at the same time as residential vacancy rates have reached historic lows.

“This trend highlights the significant challenges and market dynamics commercial businesses have faced in recent years, in spite of the strong overall economic performance of the Irish economy.

“Evolving shopping preferences and ongoing cost pressures on businesses and households continue to impact the sector, although the extent of their influence will vary depending on factors such as location and sector,” she concluded.

The analysis, prepared by EY, found a total of 30,800 commercial units classified as vacant across the country.

In total, the commercial vacancy rate increased in 17 out of 26 counties surveyed.