RATES WAIVER 2026 NOW OPEN

Kerry County Council wish to advise that the Commercial Scheme for Rates Waiver 2026 is now open.

This scheme aims to encourage economic growth by providing financial relief in the form of a waiver of commercial rates for future commercial activity.  It is targeted at supporting businesses, particularly those that are newly established or expanding and the scheme incentivises the use of vacant properties.  The property must be an existing rateable property in a town or village that has been vacant for a continuous period of 2 years.

The following categories of businesses can be considered under the scheme: Business start-ups, Art galleries, Craft and hobby shops, Fashion boutiques, Office Space (For example, a new insurance /finance office, or recruitment company, or a tech start-up), Artisan trade shops such as cobblers, dress makers etc., Artisan Food/Bakery / cake shops, Gift shops and craft co-ops, Cluster of start-up businesses, Vintage/thrift and sustainable clothing shops and Educational/training facilities.

The following businesses are not covered by the scheme - Fast food/takeaways, Casinos/Arcades/Betting Offices, Vape/e-cigarette shops, Mobile phone repair shops, Discount stores and Off licences

Applications can be made at Application Form for a Waiver of Rates | kerrycoco.ie     As Gaeilge  - https://ciarrai.ie/ratai-trachtala/

Applications should be returned to rateswaiver@kerrycoco.ie