Chief executive of GeoDirectory Dara Keogh said the continued upward trajectory of commercial vacancy rates “is an indicator of several economic factors which have been developing for a number of years”. Sligo recorded the highest commercial vacancy rate at 20.8%, followed closely by Donegal at 20.6%, and Galway at 18.7%. The lowest commercial vacancy rates were recorded in Meath at 10%, Wexford at 10.9%, and Westmeath at 11.9%. Shannon in Clare was the town with the highest commercial vacancy rate at 34.5%. In contrast, the town with the lowest commercial vacancy rates in the country was Carrigaline in Cork at 5.1%.

Source: Irish Examiner February 26, 2026 00:17 UTC