A Sligo councillor and businessman says a report on commercial vacancy rates highlights the need to continue to invest in towns.
West Sligo Independent Councillor Joe Queenan says the challenge for businesses is now being made greater by the Covid-19 restrictions, particularly for places like Enniscrone where he is based and where tourism is important.
He also says businesses such as hotels are also being hit by restrictions on events such as wedding receptions, which are important revenue generators.
Sligo town continues to have the highest commercial vacancy rate in the country.
According to the latest GeoView Commercial Property report the commercial vacancy rate in Donegal increased by 0.8 percent to 16.6%. Ballybofey had the highest vacancy rate while Buncrana had the lowest.
In Leitrim, the vacancy rate rose by 0.4% to 17.1%.
Councillor Queenan says it’s vital that investment and improvements continue in towns throughout the region to make them attractive for more businesses to open in them.
