New life for old units! Grant scheme targets Longford's vacant premises

Longford Business Incentive Scheme 2026 offers grants and rates relief to revive vacant commercial properties

Published 28th Apr 2026, 15:12 BST Granard town Longford Business Incentive Scheme 2026 offers grants and rates relief to revive vacant commercial properties Sign up to our Longford Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Longford Live within your account.

Businesses are being reminded to avail of a new incentive scheme which offers financial support to businesses willing to take on vacant properties .

Applications for the scheme - which is aimed at revitalising empty commercial premises across the county - are still open

The scheme will provide grants to new and expanding businesses that occupy previously unused commercial or industrial units with the condition that the properties have been empty for at least six months and are listed on the local authority’s Register of Vacant Properties.

Read: Pedestrian hospitalised following collision in Longford town

The financial support offered is calculated as a percentage of commercial rates paid by the business, tapering over a three-year period.

Successful applicants can receive a grant equivalent to 70% of rates paid in the first year, 50% in the second year, and 25% in the third year.

The scheme is open to a range of applicants, including newly established businesses , companies relocating from outside the county, and existing businesses looking to expand into an additional premises. Eligible property types include shops, offices, and industrial or commercial units.

Read: Annual Songs of Praise at Corboy Church off the N4 between Longford and Edgeworthstown

To qualify, properties must be commercially rated, free from outstanding rates or planning enforcement issues, and have the appropriate planning permission for their intended use.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh said vacant buildings represent missed opportunities for both business owners and local communities.

“Empty buildings are a missed opportunity for the business owner who could be trading, and for the street that loses footfall and energy.

"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.”

Chief Executive Paddy Mahon explained that the initiative was also designed to ease the financial burden on businesses in their early years.

“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.”

The scheme will run until December 31, 2026, and will be reviewed annually. Once approved, applicants will retain their entitlement for the full three-year period, even if the scheme is amended or withdrawn.

Further information and application forms are available online or through the Local Enterprise Office.

Related topics: Longford Longford County Council Sign up to our Longford Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Longford Live within your account.