Launch of Tipperary Commercial Incentive Scheme
THE significant contribution that the Wholesale and Retail sectors make to the economy of County Tipperary as the largest employer (over 14.96% of total employment) was acknowledged by the Joe MacGrath, Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council at the launch of the 2016 Commercial Incentive Scheme (CIS) for County Tipperary.
Tipperary County Council has worked with traders in supporting a number of initiatives, including town and village enhancement initiatives; Tidy Towns and festival supports; the establishment of retail forums which are responsible for developing, marketing and promoting retail; and other actions and supports which assist the independent retailer in increasing footfall and encouraging additional spend.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Seamus Hanafin stated that “There are substantial challenges facing the retail sector; however there have been signs of a recovery in the sector. The Commercial Incentive Scheme has been designed and developed to reduce the number of vacant retail units and to stimulate a differing and engaging retail mix, thereby creating a more vibrant and exciting offering and increasing the overall attractiveness of towns and villages for shopping, leisure, and business purposes.”
The Commercial Incentive Scheme supports business and retail development through the provision of a grant. The grant is for the duration of three years at a reducing rate; in Year 1 successful applicants will receive a grant corresponding to 75% of the commercial rates paid for that year; in Year 2 successful applicants can avail of a grant of 50% on commercial rates paid for that year, while in Year 3, successful applicants can avail of a grant of 25% on commercial rates paid.
The Commercial Incentive Scheme application process is now open and anyone interested in applying for the scheme can access further details and information of the application process from the following address: www.tipperarycoco.ie/cis