Waterford City and County Council Economic Support Schemes for 2026

In its ongoing commitment to revitalising vacant and underutilised properties and strengthening city, town and village centres across the county, Waterford City and County Council has announced its Economic Support Schemes for 2026.
 
Businesses, property owners, investors and entrepreneurs are once again being encouraged to apply under the Economic Incentive Scheme (EIS) and the Urban Façade Improvement Scheme (UFIS), both applications can be completed and submitted by visiting Waterford City & County Council Grants
 
These established schemes remain a key element of the Council’s wider economic regeneration strategy, supporting local enterprise while enhancing the overall attractiveness and vitality of Waterford’s urban and rural centres.
 
The Economic Incentive Scheme (EIS) continues to support the occupation of vacant commercial properties by attracting new businesses and assisting existing enterprises to establish or expand their operations. The scheme is particularly suited to entrepreneurs, small businesses and investors seeking to bring vacant premises back into active commercial use.
 
Supports available under the scheme include:

• Up to three years’ commercial rates relief, to a maximum of €5,000 per annum
• A start-up grant of €6,000 over three years
• Access to additional supports, including mentoring, marketing assistance and sustainability advice

The Urban Façade Improvement Scheme (UFIS) continue to support property owners and occupiers to improve the external appearance of buildings and enhance streetscapes across Waterford’s towns and villages. The scheme plays an important role in improving the visual appeal and commercial attractiveness of key urban areas.
 
Under the scheme, applicants may receive:

• Up to 50% grant aid, to a maximum of €2,000
• Funding for façade and upper-floor improvements
• Support aimed at upgrading vacant or visually tired premises

Speaking of the supports available, Gareth Evans, Senior Executive Officer with Economic Development, Waterford City and County Council said, “Waterford City and County Council is pleased to announce details of the Economic Support Schemes as we continue working with businesses, property owners and investors to bring vacant and underutilised properties back into productive use.
 
“The Urban Façade Improvement Scheme has the potential to boost the vibrancy of Waterford’s towns and villages, and create a more attractive, inviting environment for residents, visitors, and shoppers to enjoy, while the Economic Incentive Scheme supports the occupation of vacant commercial properties, attracts new businesses, strengthens local economies and creates more vibrant places to live, work and visit.”
 
The schemes are open to local businesses planning to set up or expand, property owners and occupiers seeking to upgrade and activate vacant units, and estate agents and investors, including those based outside the county, interested in bringing properties back into use.
 
To apply and for further information about The Economic Incentive Scheme (EIS) and the Urban Façade Improvement Scheme (UFIS) visit Waterford City & County Council Grants