Arklow Plays A Major Part As Commercial Vacancy Rate In Wicklow Rises

The GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report for Q4 2025 examined a sample of 80 towns across Ireland, and 22 postal districts in Dublin. Arklow had the highest commercial vacancy rate in December 2025 while Greystones had the lowest.

Commercial vacancy rates in Co Wicklow have gone up to 13.2%.

Figures from the GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report show more than one in eight shops and business units were lying empty in Q4 2025.

It’s slightly better than the national average of 14.6%  - which is the highest level ever recorded

Arklow has the highest vacancy rate in the county at 16.4%.

Greystones remains the strongest performer where almost 95% of units are in use.

Experts say rising online shopping and remote working continue to reshape town centres, highlighting the need for new investment and regeneration across the county.

Commenting on the findings Dara Keogh, CEO of GeoDirectory, said,

"The continued upward trajectory of commercial vacancy rates is an indicator of several economic factors which have been developing for a number of years. The changing needs of businesses and consumers, and the subsequent impact on commercial property, should be closely considered to ensure the best utilisation of these spaces in the future.”

While Simon MacAllister, Partner at EY, said, 

“It is encouraging that nine of the fifteen towns with the highest vacancy levels recorded year on year improvements. This indicates that local efforts to revitalise town centres, along with natural commercial turnover, can have a positive impact.”