Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Town centres across Tipperary and the country were struggling before Covid. The lure of commercial centres was only surpassed by the convenience of online shopping. Government-funded urban regeneration schemes were a welcome and significant step forward but the pandemic has undermined their objective. A drive through town centres across the country is a dismal experience. Every year more retail premises are left vacant. As the number of vacant shops grows, these towns become less attractive to new retail ventures. Business generates business. People are attracted to towns where their shopping and service requirements are to be met. It is vital we support the businesses that have survived. A new and innovative scheme to encourage small retail outlets, such as cafés, hairdressers and boutiques, to occupy these units would invigorate our towns. Renovation and fit-out supports, rent subsidy for a defined period and rate concessions would encourage new retailers. Such a scheme would help to rejuvenate our town centres and generate revenue.

See this speech in context