“Nobody benefits from an empty shopfront” - Mayo minister wants to bring vacant shopfronts back into use

A new initiative aimed at bringing vacant shopfronts back into use and supporting business growth in town centres has been proposed by Minister of State for Retail Alan Dillon.

The proposed Vacant to Vibrant Retail Activation Programme would see local authorities, Town Regeneration Officers and Local Enterprise Offices work together to identify empty commercial premises, engage with property owners and connect entrepreneurs with suitable locations.

The programme would initially focus on 26 designated Town Centre First towns, with the aim of increasing footfall, supporting local enterprise and creating sustainable employment.

Minister Dillon said vacant premises represented a missed opportunity for local communities and businesses.

“Nobody benefits from an empty shopfront. Empty premises do not create jobs, attract customers or support local communities. We need to turn vacant properties into places where businesses can start, grow and succeed,” he said.

“Vacant to Vibrant is about practical action to bring vacant commercial premises back into productive use, support local enterprise and restore activity to our town centres.”

Under the proposal, towns would identify priority vacant premises and the types of businesses and services most needed locally. Tailored plans would then be developed to reflect the needs of individual communities rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Prospective business owners would be connected with existing Local Enterprise Office supports, including mentoring, financial planning, digitalisation, energy efficiency and marketing assistance.

They would also receive practical advice before committing to a premises, helping them assess the viability of a business, understand potential costs and make informed decisions before signing a lease.

Minister Dillon said the initiative would build on existing regeneration work while addressing the challenge of attracting viable businesses into long-term vacant properties.

“The 26 Town Centre First towns are our starting point. My ambition is to see this approach expanded over time to principal shopping streets, retail centres and market towns across every county,” he said.

“These places have always been the economic heartbeat of local communities, and we need to give them every opportunity to grow.”

The programme would also help build a clearer picture of long-term commercial vacancy by identifying recurring barriers that prevent properties from returning to productive use.

Minister Dillon said the Government would work across departments on issues including planning, commercial rates, temporary uses and regeneration.

The proposal would also examine how existing measures, such as shopfront improvement schemes and targeted rates incentives, could better support efforts to bring vacant premises back into use.

“The objective is simple: fewer vacant buildings, more sustainable businesses, stronger local employment and more vibrant town centres,” he said.