‘There is nothing worse than a closed door’: Can Skibbereen bring its empty shops back to life?

Local retailers hope Government support can bring new businesses, more footfall and fresh life to Skibbereen’s town centre

Skibbereen is one of 26 towns across Ireland to take part in the vacant to vibrant retail activation programme. Pictures: Larry Cummins

An end to vacant shops and dereliction might once have been dismissed as a pipedream by business owners in one of Ireland’s most popular market towns.

However, West Cork’s Skibbereen may be on its way to achieving just that, as other commercial hubs in Ireland fight a losing battle against the scourge.