Occupancy up, but existing shopping centre tenants charged too much

SIGNS of recovery are evident at the country’s shopping centres with occupancy levels picking up, but retailers say existing tenants are being charged far more than newcomers.

A report shows that Blanchardstown Centre in Dublin is the most productive in the country, while Castletroy shopping centre in Limerick is the least productive.

Occupancy rates have increased in the past 15 months, while rent has reduced by on average 4%, according to the Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) report.