Applications now open
Online Application Form
Eligibility:
The Scheme will be available to:
- A newly established business.
- An existing business relocating or expanding from outside the County.
- An existing business maintaining current location and expanding into a new location and evidence must be produced confirming this.
The Scheme commences from the 5th of January 2026 and is only applicable to commercial properties that have been vacant for at least 12 calendar months prior to occupation.
The following prerequisites apply to the subject premises:
- There are no outstanding enforcement proceedings or monies due to the Council under the Planning & Development Acts 2000-2014 or the Derelict Sites Act 1990.
- There are no outstanding or current commercial rates, or any other local authority charges owing on the subject premises (including 20% vacancy rate).
- There are no outstanding or current commercial rates, or any other local authority charges owed by the applicant.
Qualifying Applicants
No rates waiver will be granted without a properly completed Application for Waiver of Rates Form (WRF). The Declaration Form must be accompanied with appropriate evidence of efforts made to let the property.
The following requirements apply to all applicants:
- The applicant must be the owner or lessee of the subject premises.
- The applicant must sign up for Standing Order or Direct Debit payments of commercial rates and any other charges due to the Council for at least 12 months following the waiver period.
- The application must be accompanied by a lease agreement (if applicable) OR a copy of the Land Registry entry showing ownership details.
- Failure to remain current on any charges including any outstanding charges on the property and/or applicant will result in the immediate cessation of the Scheme and the removal of supports.
- The applicant must make the council aware of any changes to the uses or any of the requirements stated above for the applicant which materially alter the original application.
Scheme Criteria
- 12 months Waiver Scheme.
- 100% waiver of rates for first 12 months of business trading up to a maximum of €10,000 annual rates (properties with an annual rates bill of greater than €10,000 will receive a waiver of a maximum of €10,000).
- Full rates (pro rata) are due for payment after the 12 month period.
- The unit must be commercially rated.
- Eligible businesses can only avail of the scheme once in a 5 year period, with the exception of an existing business expanding into a second or subsequent vacant property.
- Applicants who avail of this scheme will not be affected by cessation or revision of this scheme if it changes within the 12 month waiver period.
Please note that eligible properties must be made available for inspection by Monaghan County Council staff on request.
No application will be considered without completion of the WRF Form and relevant evidence.
Rate Waiver Scheme 2026 – Terms and Conditions of the Scheme
- The relevant property must be a commercially rated property in the Council’s administrative area.
- Complete and submit the Application for Waiver of Rates form in a timely manner.
- The Rate Collector should be notified by the liable person at an early stage as it may be necessary for the Rate Collector to inspect the property, to certify any application submitted.
- The scheme shall apply for a period of 12 months from commencement of trading, scheme commencing 5th January 2026.
Section 15 of the Local Government Rates & Other Matters Act 2019 as amended by the Historic and Archaeological Heritage & Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 and SI 349 of 2024 Local Government Waiver of Rates Regulations 2024
Local Government Rates and other Matters Act 2019, Section 15
Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023
S.I. No. 349/2024 – Local Government Waiver of Rates Regulations 2024