Laois County Council and Laois Chamber Alliance have collaborated with the Mountrath Town Team to launch the Vacant Commercial Property Incentive Scheme in Mountrath.
This Scheme was initially piloted in Portlaoise in 2021 and launched earlier this year in Portarlington, generating great interest in both towns.
Speaking at the launch of the scheme in Mountrath which was also attended by Town Regeneration Officer, Denise Rainey, Brenda Earl of the Business Support Unit, Laois County Council, said:
“We are delighted to work with Mountrath Town Team in order to tackle issues with vacant business units in the Town Centre.
“This scheme is a significant opportunity for businesses and property owners alike, which, has the potential to transform the Town Centre by reducing the level of vacancy in Mountrath.”
The Vacant Commercial Property Incentive Scheme offers a suite of ten potential financial supports and mentoring opportunities, for new or existing businesses interested in leasing or renting a premises that has been vacant for 6 months or more.
This scheme has been extended to Mountrath to encourage uptake by new and potential businesses on the town’s Main Street and its environs.
The suite of incentives includes grants such as the Shop Grant Improvement and Accessibility Scheme, Shop Fit Out Scheme, a business promotion package with Laois Chamber Alliance, and a complimentary HR advice session with Laois-based Iridium HR.
Mark Sheeran, local Business owner and Chairman of Mountrath Town Team welcomed the launch of the scheme in Mountrath.
“One of the objectives of the Mountrath Town Team is to revitalise and re-energise the Town Centre and this scheme is the first step,” he said.
“We need to get footfall back into Mountrath and offering incentives to enable new businesses to set up in the town will both encourage more visitors to the town and also address the issue of vacancy in the town centre.”
Speaking about the launch of the scheme in Mountrath, Caroline Hofman, interim CEO Laois Chamber Alliance said:
“On behalf of Laois Chamber Alliance, we are delighted to see the Vacant Commercial Property Incentive Scheme being extended to Mountrath, having initially been piloted successfully in Portlaoise and subsequently launched in Portarlington.
“With thanks to the support of the Business Support Unit and Local Enterprise Office Laois, the suite of potential grants and supports available can assist in reducing the costs for any eligible business.
“We are also delighted to be offering a business promotion package to any new or expanding businesses availing of the scheme.”
James McElwee, President of Laois Chamber Alliance, added:
“It is great to see Mountrath making such an effort as a community to enhance the town’s appeal to all. Magnificent effort by all, particularly the Business Support Unit in Laois County Council and Local Enterprise Office Laois.
“As a gateway to the Slieve Bloom Mountains and all the riches it has to offer, Mountrath is beginning to tap into it and there’s a sense of recovery and optimism in the air from its much maligned past having suffered many years ago from the motorway bypassing it.”
If you are interested in availing of the scheme, please contact Sheila Cahill, Business Support Unit Laois County Council on 057 8664015, or Laois Chamber Alliance on 085 2566522 or e-mail info@laoischamber.ie
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