Economic Support Grants are available for the following sectors:
1. Arts, Crafts, Artisan Food Shop
Those involved in the self production and sale of arts, crafts and artisan food can qualify for this grant.
| Does the business have to be new? | What geographic area does the scheme cover?* | Are there any restrictions on the scheme? | How much grant relief am I entitled to? | Any other requirements under the scheme? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does the business have to be new? No. |
What geographic area does the scheme cover?*
Waterford City Centre. Dungarvan Town Centre. Tramore Town Centre. All Level 3 & 4 towns and villages (see below for a full list). |
Are there any restrictions on the scheme?
Premises must be vacant for a period of 3 or more months. Under Artisan Food, only food shops are eligible (cafés,restaurants and bars do not qualify). Floor space should be less than 40sq.m. |
How much grant relief am I entitled to? 100% of commercial rates for up to three years. |
Any other requirements under the scheme?
That there are no local authority charges owing on the building. You must sign up to a Direct Debit on any other local authority charges. |
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2. Non Competing Retail & Commercial Services
Any non competing retail or commercial service can qualify for this grant.
| Does the business have to be new? | What geographic area does the scheme cover?* | Are there any restrictions on the scheme? | How much grant relief am I entitled to? | Any other requirements under the scheme? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does the business have to be new? Yes – business cannot have operated in Waterford within the last two years.Exception: existing home based businesses moving to a vacant town centre premises. | What geographic area does the scheme cover?* All Level 3 & 4 towns and villages (see below for a full list). |
Are there any restrictions on the scheme?
Premises must be vacant for a period of 3 or more months. Business must not be in direct competition or cause displacement to an existing business in the same town/village centre. |
How much grant relief am I entitled to? 100% of commercial rates for up to three years. |
Any other requirements under the scheme?
That there are no local authority charges owing on the building. You must sign up to a Direct Debit on any other local authority charges. |
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3. Office Refurbishment
Existing office accommodation and buildings not currently used as office accommodation can qualify for this grant.
| Does the business have to be new? | What geographic area does the scheme cover?* | Are there any restrictions on the scheme? | How much grant relief am I entitled to? | Any other requirements under the scheme? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does the business have to be new? No. |
What geographic area does the scheme cover?*
Waterford City Centre. Dungarvan Town Centre. Tramore Town Centre. |
Are there any restrictions on the scheme?
Existing offices: subject to structural works being undertaken, all costs of refurbishment are eligible. Vacant premises: all costs of office refurbishment. Premises must be vacant for a period of 3 or more months. Office equipment, furniture and IT equipment are excluded. |
How much grant relief am I entitled to? 100% of commercial rates in year 1, 50% in year 2 and 25% in year 3 subject to eligible vouched expenditure. |
Any other requirements under the scheme?
That there are no local authority charges owing on the building. You must sign up to a Direct Debit on any other local authority charges. Scheme shall apply to the authorised planning use of a premises. Only works undertaken during the period of the scheme are valid. You must have a 3 year lease or own the property. |
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4. Retail Fit Out Scheme
Clothing, footwear and homeware retailers can qualify for this grant.
| Does the business have to be new? | What geographic area does the scheme cover?* | Are there any restrictions on the scheme? | How much grant relief am I entitled to? | Any other requirements under the scheme? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does the business have to be new? Yes – business cannot have operated in Waterford within the last two years. | What geographic area does the scheme cover?* Waterford City Centre. Tramore Town Centre. |
Are there any restrictions on the scheme?
Premises must be vacant for a period of 3 or more months or be a new unoccupied development. Only applicable to clothing, footwear and homewares. Excludes stock for resale. |
How much grant relief am I entitled to? 100% of commercial rates in year 1, 50% in year 2 and 25% in year 3 subject to eligible vouched expenditure. |
Any other requirements under the scheme?
That there are no local authority charges owing on the building. You must sign up to a Direct Debit on any other local authority charges. Scheme shall apply to the authorised planning use of a premises. Only works undertaken during the period of the scheme are valid. You must have a three year lease. |
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*Waterford City Centre as defined in the Waterford City Development Plan 2013-2019.
*Dungarvan Town Centre as defined in the Dungarvan Town Centre Management Plan 2012-2018.
*Tramore Town Centre as defined in the Tramore Town Centre Management Plan 2016-2018.
Level 3 & Level 4 Towns and Villages
Aglish, Annestown, Ardmore, Baile Na nGall, Ballinroad, Ballyaneen, Ballyduff Lower (East), Ballyduff Upper (West), Ballymacarbry, Bawnfune, Bunmahon/ Knockmahon, Cappoquin, Cheekpoint, Clashmore, Clonea Power, Clonmel Environs, Crooke, Dunhill, Dunmore East, Fenor, Heilbhic, Kill, Kilmacthomas, Kilmeaden, Knockanore, Lemybrien, Lismore, Maoil na Choirne, Passage East, Piltown, Portlaw, Rathgormuck, Sean Phobal/ An Rinn.
For further details contact:
Maureen Fitzsimons (Waterford City area)
T: +353 (0)761 10 2661
E: mfitzsimons@waterfordcouncil.ie
Emma Smyth (for Tramore area)
T: +353 (0)761 10 2923
E: esmyth@waterfordcouncil.ie
Michelle Daly (County Waterford area)
T: +353 (0)761 10 2804
E: mdaly@waterfordcouncil.ie