Vacancy rate of commercial properties in Clonmel higher than national average

A more aggressive approach on derelict sites in Clonmel’s town centre will be taken in 2023.

That was the message from District Manager Sinead Carr when she addressed a meeting of Clonmel Borough District.

She said there were a number of different initiatives that could be taken to move town centre properties on, and there was a level of activity that could be taken on new schemes.

These included the vacant sites levy, where compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) and planning applications would be examined.
There was also a significant level of interest in commercial properties under the Repair and Lease Scheme.

She said the Government was starting to look at some of the obstacles that town centres faced.

However, Ms Carr said they could over-rely on “over the shop” schemes to bring first floor properties into use. They wanted to see a level of activity in the town centre both day and night, and they needed to make sure they didn’t prevent night time activity.

She made her remarks during a discussion on Town Centre First Clonmel, a comprehensive document described as an action plan for the town centre.

The report, presented by Tipperary County Council’s Project Regeneration and Development Officer Michael Moroney, stated, “Like many towns around the country, Clonmel town currently faces a number of challenges in relation to vacancy, dereliction and the underutilisation of buildings.

“This is due to a number of competing and complex factors but vacancy, dereliction and poor upkeep not only impact upon specific buildings, but also on surrounding streets and on the general perceptions of the town.

“It can have a very damaging impact on the vibrancy and vitality of a town centre.

“The GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report for Quarter 2 2022 shows that Clonmel’s vacancy rate stood at 18.80%, in comparison to a rate for the county of Tipperary of 14.60% and a national rate of 13.90%.

“A walkaround survey of Clonmel’s town centre streets illustrates that vacancy rates on streets within the town centre area range from 6.25% to 43.75%.

“Some notable vacant sites/buildings within the town centre include the corner of Emmet Street and Market Street; the top of Gladstone Street towards Kickham Street; much of sections of both sides of Upper Gladstone Street; part of Bridge Street; large properties on O’Connell Street such as those formerly occupied by Heatons and Dunnes Stores; the former Clonmel Arms Hotel site on Sarsfield Street; and the majority of Market Place.

“Derelict properties add to a sense of abandonment, and external condition surveys carried out by the council of those buildings which are in poor condition align with a number of the vacant premises identified under the vacancy survey above.

“While this level of vacancy/dereliction negatively impacts the town centre in terms of vitality and vibrancy, permeability and the lack of a sense of a core, it also presents opportunities.

“Many of these existing underutilised/derelict/vacant buildings and sites are strategically located within the town centre and provide the opportunity to not only deliver new uses (such as employment, community and innovative forms of residential use), but also to enhance permeability within the town, link uses and space and create a definable town core.

“Approaches to reducing vacancy levels, dereliction and underutilisation include the identification of suitable empty or unused space at ground level or above existing ground level shops in the town centre, and their conversion into residential, commercial or service accommodation.

“Funding and grant supports are available to property owners through initiatives/incentives for the refurbishment of buildings (such as the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund Scheme, Vacant Homes Scheme, Painting Scheme etc).

“The interest in, and take-up of such supports has been accelerating through the work of the council’s Vacant Homes Officer. Opportunities, in appropriate locations, may be created for a mix of social housing, rental tenancy or private ownership that will serve to increase the vibrancy of the town centre.

“This overall approach can add to the drive towards providing increased levels of housing within the town centre in accordance with national and local Town Plan policy objectives.

“Vacant and underutilised buildings can also be brought forward for alternative uses such as business start-ups, temporary workspaces or pop-up shops that will draw people back to the town centre in the short term, while future development proposals for these buildings can then be explored and formulated in the medium to longer terms.

“Where there is non-engagement by property owners, there are tools available which can be utilised to address the issue as part of this Action Plan.”