Kilbeggan to benefit from streetscape fund

Kilbeggan is one of 26 towns that are to benefit from a €2.6 million fund to enhance streetscapes and shopfronts.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced the 26 towns and villages this morning.

Under 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.

Minister Humphreys announced the 26 towns that have been selected for funding with each local authority to receive €100,000 as part of the Initiative.

She urged businesses, property owners and retailers in the 26 towns to apply to their local authorities to avail of funding.

Minister Humphreys said: “When I announced this initiative last year, there was a hugely positive reaction from businesses and retailers. I’m therefore delighted to announce 26 additional towns that will benefit from €2.6 million in funding from my department.

“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. I want as many businesses and property owners to get involved over the next few weeks and to avail of this funding.

“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 towns where this measure will be delivered are:

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

Leitirm 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