Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State has pointed to a reduction in other counties. That is not the case in Clare, which has a huge vacancy rate. Shannon, once again, had the highest rate of commercial vacancy in the county at 29.8%, which is the highest in Munster and the third highest nationwide. It is unchanged again for a second year in Kilrush at 24.5%. There is no hotel there and has not been for many years. GeoDirectory shows that both towns are well above average when it comes to empty industrial buildings. Shannon and Dublin are at the national average of 14%, and Kilrush is at 10%. Meanwhile, Clare County Council will say that there is too much competition for accommodation in the county to source and create, for example, emergency accommodation or the likes of Clann Nua for the likes of Kilrush town.

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