Writes Ciaran Dineen
Businesses and residents in Carrigaline, Passage West, Glenbrook and Monkstown have the opportunity to avail of the Shop Front Improvement Scheme 2020, as one of the initiatives under Project ACT from Cork County Council.
In order to give towns and villages a boost across Cork, the Council under Project ACT hope to introduce a number of people-friendly, attractive measures to help communities bounce back with a bang in response to the recent lockdown.
Councillors at the launch of the Improvement Scheme in Passage West
A report was distributed to Carrigaline Municipal District councillors at their latest council meeting earlier in June, with many welcoming the scheme. Speaking in light of receiving the document outlining the scheme’s process was Councillor Liam O’Connor (FG).
Mr O’Connor was very supportive of the measure and indicated that it was very important for Councillors to “hit the doors” and spread the news to street-facing businesses and households who can apply for funding ahead of the 10th July deadline.
The conditions outline that tenants or owners of businesses in Town Centres can avail of a grant up to 50% for the cost of works, to a maximum of €1000, for shop-front improvements carried out by a registered contractor.
However, if a full street of buildings come together (5 adjacent buildings or more) and decide to all take part in the renewal, they can receive funds that cover up to 60% of the total cost. Furthermore, should tenants/business owners wish to undergo the labour of the work themselves, they can receive a contribution of up to 100% of materials used.
Eligible works are items that will enhance the exterior, front-facing element of the building in question. This includes external painting, along with signage replacement with “heritage type signs”. Those with signs are encouraged to incorporate versions which include Irish translation.
Passage West has been one of the towns that has already benefited from a painting scheme in previous years and it has been declared a great success. This is according to Passage resident and Councillor, Marcia D’Alton (Ind), who told The Carrigdhoun Newspaper, “many of the businesses on the Passage West main street have used the painting scheme in the past, both for colour and for signage.
It’s a tremendous boost to the town centre when the buildings are fresh. It brings a sense of positivity and confidence, making shopping a local and very enjoyable experience. Many businesses in Passage West have thrived during the lockdown. Local people are appreciating local offerings. We’re looking forward to being able to use the painting scheme again this year and build on the benefits it has brought in previous years”.
Details of the scheme can be found on the Cork County Council Website or by contacting one of the Carrigaline MD Councillors.