Section 9 of the Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 makes specific provision that elected members of a local authority may make a scheme providing for the abatement of rates in respect of vacant properties, and that such a scheme shall be approved at the local authority budget meeting, concerning the local financial year to which the scheme shall apply. 

Wicklow County Council will consider a scheme providing for abatement of rates in respect of vacant properties, applying in the 2026 local financial year. 

Wicklow County Council welcomes written submissions from the public on this matter specifically covering the potential effects of a scheme providing for the abatement of rates in respect of vacant properties on businesses, individuals and on local authority services. 

Submissions must be received by 1st October 2025 and may be made using one of the following methods:

(1)    Online through the Council’s consultation hub at www.wicklow.ie

(2)    By E-mail to vacancy@wicklowcoco.ie 

(3)    By post to Vacancy Consultation, c/o Finance Department, Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow Town

Signed: Emer O’Gorman

Chief Executive

Wicklow County Council

Dated: 17th September 2025