Kanturk and Mallow are among the first towns in Cork to be targeted under a new 2026 Commercial Rates Waiver Scheme aimed at tackling vacancy and dereliction while supporting town centre renewal.
The scheme forms part of a wider local authority strategy focused on Town Centre First priorities, with the goal of bringing long-term vacant commercial properties back into productive use and strengthening the commercial core of towns across the county.
By incentivising the occupation of empty premises, the scheme is expected to improve the appearance of town centres and contribute indirectly to increased footfall for existing businesses in both Kanturk and Mallow.
Under the initiative, the council is seeking to encourage a range of activity in vacant properties, including new start-up businesses, expanding enterprises, and businesses relocating from outside the county. It also aims to support existing businesses moving into new premises within town centres as part of expansion plans.
Officials say the scheme is designed not only to address vacancy but also to stimulate wider economic activity, with a focus on revitalising retail, office and industrial spaces that have been unused for extended periods.
To qualify, properties must be existing rateable commercial units that have been vacant for at least two years. The scheme will apply to eligible occupiers entering previously unused properties and is intended to act as a catalyst for regeneration in town centre locations.
A key objective of the initiative is to demonstrate what the council describes as a “serious commitment” to economic development and urban renewal, particularly in towns such as Kanturk and Mallow, where long-term vacancy has been identified as a challenge for commercial vibrancy.
The scheme is open to newly established businesses, firms relocating from outside the county, and existing businesses expanding into new premises. Officials have indicated that potential displacement effects will be carefully considered as part of the approval process.
For further information, applicants are advised to contact the relevant Area Rate Collector or the Rate Collection Office on (021) 4285252 or via collection@corkcoco.ie.
