THE commercial vacancy rate in Cork rose to 12.8% (up 0.4% year on year) in December 2025 according to the latest GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report, prepared by EY.

However the commercial vacancy rate in Cork was lower than the national commercial vacancy rate of 14.6%, which translates to 30,687 vacant commercial units across the country in December 2025.

Of the urban areas in Cork surveyed, Youghal had the highest commercial vacancy rate in December 2025 at 19.3%, while Carrigaline had the lowest at 5.1%.

Sligo recorded the highest commercial vacancy rate in the State at 20.8%, followed closely by Donegal (20.6%) and Galway (18.7%).

Connacht had the highest vacancy rate of the four provinces, at 18.6%, followed by Ulster (17.3%), Munster (14.3%) and Leinster (13.2%).

Meath remained the county with the lowest commercial vacancy rate in the country at 10.0%, followed by Wexford (10.9%) and Westmeath (11.9%).

The report examined a sample of 80 towns throughout Ireland, as well as 22 postal districts in Dublin.

Dara Keogh, CEO of GeoDirectory, said: ‘Commercial vacancy rates remain at an all-time high, an indicator of economic factors including the increased penetration of online shopping and commerce, along with remote working trends. The changing needs of businesses and consumers, and the impact on commercial property, should be closely considered to ensure the best utilisation of these spaces.’