Longford County Council opens its 2026 Business Incentive Scheme, offering rate-based grants of up to 70% to businesses taking on vacant premises.
Longford County Council has opened applications for its 2026 Business Incentive Scheme, a rates-based grant programme designed to encourage businesses to occupy vacant commercial and industrial premises across the county.
The scheme targets premises that have been empty for at least six months and are listed on the Council’s Register of Vacant Properties.
“Empty buildings are a missed opportunity – for the business owner who could be trading, and for the street that loses footfall and energy”
Grants are calculated as a percentage of commercial rates paid, reducing over a three-year period.
At the end of year one the grant payable is equivalent to 70% of the rates paid for the subject year while at the end of year two the grant payable is equivalent to 50% of the rates paid for the subject year and at the end of year three the grant payable is equivalent to 25% of the rates paid for the subject year.
Who is eligible?
The scheme is open to newly established businesses, businesses relocating from outside County Longford, and existing businesses expanding into a second premises. Qualifying property types include shops, offices, and commercial and industrial units.
To be eligible, a premises must be commercially rated, free of outstanding rates or planning enforcement, and carry the appropriate planning permission for the intended use.
Application forms and full scheme details are available here or from the Local Enterprise Office website or by contacting 043 334 33 00.
“Empty buildings are a missed opportunity – for the business owner who could be trading, and for the street that loses footfall and energy,” said Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh.
“This scheme puts a concrete financial case for taking that step. We want to see Longford’s vacant units come back to life, and we are prepared to back that ambition with real money.”
The scheme runs until 31 December 2026 and will be reviewed annually. Once approved, an applicant retains entitlement for the full three-year period even if the scheme is subsequently amended or withdrawn.
Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said: “We recognise that moving into a new premises – especially one that has been lying idle – carries cost and risk.
“This scheme directly reduces that burden in the first three years of trading, when businesses need breathing space most. It is a straightforward and practical intervention to assist businesses throughout County Longford.”
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