Offaly's commercial vacancy rates higher than national average

Offaly is one of 13 counties with above average commercial vacancy rates.

That’s according to figures released this week by GeoDirectory. The data shows that the total number of vacant commercial premises in Offaly has increased from 11.9 per cent in quarter one of last year to 12.7 per cent in quarter one of this year.

Currently 430 of Offaly’s 3,383 commercial addresses are recorded as vacant. A total of 27,791 of 223,336 commercial addresses nationwide - or 12.4 per cent - are recorded as being vacant.

The national commercial vacancy rate has also increased year on year, going from 11.4 per cent last year to 12.4 per cent this year. The rate has held steady since the last quarter of last year however.

Offaly is joined by Sligo, Leitrim, Galway, Dublin, Limerick, Roscommon, Waterford, Carlow, Donegal, Mayo, Laois and Longford in recording above average vacancy rates. Sligo has been revealed as having the highest commercial vacancy rate at 16 per cent, while Kerry has recorded the lowest at 8.9 per cent.

Commenting on the latest findings CEO of GeoDirectory Dara Keogh said it’s clear parts of the county are feeling the effects of the economic downturn more keenly than others. Director of DKM economic