Grants for vape and phone shops across Limerick go up in smoke

NEW vape and mobile phone shops are to be excluded from getting council support to move into vacant properties in Limerick.

It comes with priomh-chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery claiming vape shops are “taking over the city”.

The local authority has long offered incentives for new businesses to move into empty commercial units in a bid to revitalise the city centre and towns across the county.

READ MORE: Motorist caught speeding at more than twice the limit while driving in Limerick village

Among these, business owners can avail of a grant of up to €6,000 over two years to fund the fit-out of a unit, and other costs with setting up a new retail outlet.

But the head of tourism, trade and enterprise, Brendan Troy, has confirmed that from the new year, these supports will not be available to “vape and mobile phone shops”.

He gave the information in a written response to a question from Cllr Slattery at this month’s metropolitan meeting.

“Some traders have contacted me and asked if there is a limit to how many candy shops, vape shops and phone shops there can be on one street,” she said.

She believes allowing more vape and phone shops to open, it might deny other retailers the opportunity.

“We need more local businesses in the city. We’ve enough vape shops, we’ve enough phone shops. They are taking over the city. We need clothes shops, bakeries, cafes and chemists, for example,” said the priomh chomhairleoir.

The Fianna Fail councillor also asked Mr Troy if there is a limit on the number of vape, candy and phone shops allowed on one main street and whether measures are being taken around what is being sold in them.

“Also, on our main streets in the city, are there any rules for signage such as illuminous signage not being allowed?” she added in her written question.

Mr Troy replied: “Council is not aware of any measures being taken as to what is being sold in the shops. There is no restrictions on the number of vape, candy or phone shops allowed in one main street.”

In relation to signage, he pointed out there are recommended standards in the Limerick Development Plan, which governs what can be built in certain areas.

“Council also published the shopfront design guide in July 2025 which provides guidance on appropriate shopfronts including signage,” he added.