Local Authorities are in a strong position to provide different supports for the retail and business sectors.

Through the creation of development plans, local authorities influence the development, design, look and feel of the county. However, for these plans to be successful, Meath County Council provide support measures and initiatives to encourage businesses to expand or indeed start up in our county.

Pre Planning Consultations

Pre-planning consultations give prospective businesses the opportunity to discuss their proposal with a Meath County Council Planner.

These meetings have many benefits, as they can help to streamline the planning application process by improving the quality of subsequent planning applications and raising awareness of relevant planning issues with applicants.

Please be advised that participating in a pre planning meeting does not bind Meath County Council to any subsequent decision.  Each application is still expected to go through the formal planning application process.

As there are many different types and scales of development, the nature and scale of your proposal will determine the level of detail required by the council.  

Our Economic Development Team co-ordinates with the planning department and would be happy to discuss your business proposal prior to arranging a pre planning consultation.  You can contact us on economic@meathcoco.ie or 046 909 7065.

Further information on pre planning consultations with Meath County Council

IDA Ireland also offer a lot of investment supports.

County Meath Chamber

County Meath Chamber is an organisation for the promotion and development of economic and commercial activity in the county. They seek to support and empower a progressive, dynamic network of members who are confident to drive and champion County Meath as the number one place in Ireland to do business.  

Members will have access to year round opportunities of networking and training for business as well as other supports such as export documentation, trade information, cross promotion and collaboration.

Further information and contact details for Meath Chamber 

Economic Regeneration Scheme

The Economic Regeneration Scheme is an initiative for businesses which offers reduced commercial rates for the first 3 years of business in a previously vacant town/village centre premises. 

 Meath County Council has launched this scheme to encourage the use of vacant commercial units in our towns and village centres.  We understand the importance of an attractive, vibrant commercial business centre, and its contribution in boosting footfall and street activity.

The scheme will tie directly into the foundation of our Economic Strategy by:

• Reducing the number of vacant properties within our County.
• Encouraging new commercial ventures as well as complementing existing businesses.
• Assisting in job creation.

How to Apply:

All other queries should be directed to our Economic Development Team

economic@meathcoco.ie or 046 909 7000

Applications will be accepted through our online portal https://submit.link/1h4

Terms & Conditions Regeneration Scheme 2023 (PDF, 1.05 mb)

Drogheda Nurture Fund

The Drogheda Implementation Board, Louth County Enterprise Fund and Louth and Meath Local Enterprise Offices launched a new Microfinance Fund in the Drogheda and Laytown-Bettystown area in The Mill Enterprise Centre, Drogheda on 6th September 2023.

Entrepreneurs and small-business owners can apply for business loans, up to a maximum of €25,000. The loans are re-payable over a 3 to 5 year period and the interest rate is 7% per annum. The business must be based within the Drogheda Implementation Board’s designated target area, which is outlined in the adjoining map.

Applicants should express their interest in the Nurture Fund by completing a short enquiry form at www.thefund.ie/nurture-fund/ or emailing info@thefund.ie or posting it to the Enterprise Fund. The supporting documents required are detailed on this website.

Meath Local Enterprise Office can be contacted at localenterprise@meathcoco.ie or 046 9097000

Economic and Enterprise Funding Support

THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING FUNDING APPLICATIONS HAS NOW CLOSED.

To register your interest in any further calls for applications please email us on economic@meathcoco.ie.

We will now begin assessing all completed applications received and will notify applicants by email.