BUSINESS AND RETAIL INCENTIVE SCHEME EXPANDED

News that the Business and Retail Incentive Scheme has been expanded to include the business parks in both Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale has been welcomed.

The scheme, which was launched last year, provides financial incentives to encourage new businesses to open in designated areas. Occupiers of vacant properties are offered incentives for retail and office uses. The scheme is intended to address property vacancy rates, improve streetscapes and support the business community.

Last year between eight and ten businesses in the towns benefited from this scheme, and now the expansion into the business parks will allow for manufacturing businesses to avail of the scheme and further enhance employment opportunities in both Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale.

It is hoped that if this extension to the scheme is successful it will be rolled out countywide, giving villages, smaller towns and other business parks a chance to avail of this scheme and hopefully result in jobs for the local areas.

News of the expansion has been welcomed by Newcastle West-based Cllr. Damien Riedy.