Did your town make the cut?
The Government has revealed the 26 towns and villages in Ireland that will benefit from a €2.6 million fund to support the enhancement of their streetscapes and shopfronts.
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As part of the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative, retailers and property owners will be provided with grants that they can use to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork or install features such as street furniture or canopies.
The overall purpose of the scheme is to give towns and villages a "facelift" and make them more attractive places to live, work or visit.
Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys announced on Tuesday (30 August) the 26 places that have been selected for funding, with each local authority to receive €100,000 as part of the initiative.
They are as follows:
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- Carlow County Council - Bagenalstown
- Cavan County Council - Ballyconnell
- Clare County Council - Lisdoonvarna
- Cork County Council - Bandon
- Donegal County Council - Lifford
- Fingal County Council - Rush
- Galway County Council - Tuam
- Kerry County Council - Tarbert
- Kildare County Council - Athy
- Kilkenny County Council - Callan
- Laois County Council - Abbeyleix
- Leitrim County Council - Carrick On Shannon
- Limerick County Council - Foynes
- Longford County Council - Granard
- Louth County Council - Omeath
- Mayo County Council - Ballyhaunis
- Meath County Council - Trim
- Monaghan County Council - Clones
- Offaly County Council - Clara
- Roscommon County Council - Ballinlough
- Sligo County Council - Enniscrone
- Tipperary County Council - Tipperary Town
- Waterford County Council - Tallow
- Westmeath County Council - Kilbeggan
- Wexford County Council - Enniscorthy
- Wicklow County Council - Newtownmountkennedy
The Minister urged businesses, property owners and retailers in the 26 areas to apply to their local authority to avail of funding.
"We all take pride in our rural towns and villages and want them to be as attractive and welcoming as possible. That’s exactly what Streetscapes is all about," Humphreys said.
"I want as many businesses and property owners to get involved over the next few weeks and to avail of this funding.
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"You may wish to give the front of your shop a new lease of life and repaint it in bright, vibrant colours. Perhaps you want to cover your windowsills with flowers and plants or purchase street furniture, canopies for your customers to enjoy.
"Or maybe you have an even bolder idea. This time round, I’m encouraging neighbouring businesses to submit a joint application to their local authority if they have a more ambitious proposal.
"For example, under the first tranche of funding, some businesses transformed their facades with attractive murals – that’s one way to make your town stand out.”
The 26 towns due to receive the funding were selected by each local authority in consultation with local businesses and community groups.
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Local authorities will manage the initiative and will be advertising for applications in the coming weeks.