The number of empty shops and offices across the country is the highest its been in a decade.
A Geodirectory report shows the amount of vacant commercial properties around the country rose by 0.2 per cent to 14.1 per cent, the highest level on record since 2013.
Kilkenny was one of 20 counties surveyed to record rises in their rates as its vacancy rate rose to 13%.
Meanwhile, the rate in Carlow decreased to 13.6%, which represents a decrease of 0.4% on June of last year.
CEO of Geodirectory Dara Keogh says this could be a case of businesses moving their commercial activities online. ”We have seen a change of pattern in certain sectors. So for example since Covid we are seeing the hybrid model – more people working from home. This has put less pressure on office spaces. We are also seeing a change in the retail sector such as do you need an actual front door or is the website your store front.”
