Sligo has the distinction of having the highest vacant commercial property rate in the country.
However, a scheme aimed at encouraging the use of long-term vacant commercial property has failed to be adopted at numerous annual budget meetings of the county council.
The matter will come before councillors again at their annual budget meeting next week.
Yesterday, at a meeting of councillors from the Borough District, Sinn Fein Councillor Chris MacManus proposed that a Business Incentive Scheme be considered.
Under that scheme, the use of vacant commercial premises would be encouraged by rates reductions during a three-year period.
He pointed out that no rates can be got from empty building.
However, Independent Socialist Councillor Declan Bree recalled that in 2017, he proposed that the council introduce a Long Term Vacant Property Scheme.
He said the only support he got was from Solidarity People Before Profit Councillor Gino O Boyle.
He recalled he made the same proposal at last year’s budget meeting and it got the support of just four councillors.
He said he would be submitting the motion again for next week’s budget meeting and he is hoping it will then be supported by a majority of councillors.
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A personal injuries committee made up of judges has been selected to examine the insurance industry in Ireland.
The announcement was made this morning by Chief Justice Frank Clarke at an insurance fraud conference in Dublin.
It comes amid ongoing criticism over the level of compensation payouts in Ireland.
Mr. Justice Clarke says the committee will get to work straight away, despite not being formally established by law:
