I am delighted to welcome the council’s Shop Front & Town Centre Improvement Grant Scheme which will be rolled out now in 2016. The purpose of this simple yet innovative scheme is to improve the appearance of shop fronts and other retail and commercial properties in our towns around Co. Kildare. As we’re all well aware, town centre businesses have faced huge pressures in recent years to stay open. With more attractive town centres, we can help encourage business back in to our towns. This scheme is a welcome step towards this objective. The scheme is open to all existing businesses in towns throughout Co. Kildare.

The expected amount of each grant will be between €500 and €1,000, therefore, the cost of repainting the front of a shop could be nearly covered in full by this scheme. So if you need some repainting or new signage go ahead and make a submission! Each application will be assessed on its own merits and any job that will enhance the town’s character may qualify for grant aid. The council will also consider group applications. Application forms and terms and conditions for the scheme are available from the council’s website here.