The focus of this measure is to support the upgrade and enhancement of shopfronts and street facades of defined areas within selected rural town/village centres.
Applications are invited from within Abbeyleix town for funding of streetscape and shopfront enhancement projects under the 2022 Town and Village Streetscape Enhancement scheme. Only designated areas within Abbeyleix will qualify to apply for the scheme. Map of designated areas can be viewed HERE. Applications from Area 1 will receive priority over applications from Area 2 should the scheme be oversubscribed. An allocation of €100,000 has been received for this scheme. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the local authority.
The following types of premises are considered eligible:
Commercial, residential or unoccupied buildings in town/village centre locations as defined by the local authority. All works must be completed by 31st August 2023. No applications can be considered for works already commenced.
Eligible Works
Eligible works include painting, signage replacement, shopfront improvement, scaffolding, materials, lighting and planting. See full list of eligible works below:
WORKS
· Green enhancement of entrances/ terraces with planting
(Maximum grant funding €500)
· Painting of building/shopfront in carefully selected colours which will complement the host building and streetscape.
· Mural (agreed in advance with Local Authority)
· Decluttering and repair of shopfronts. (Decluttering can include such works as removing unnecessary signs, flagpoles, wiring etc.)
(Maximum grant funding €3,500)
· Appropriate illumination and lighting of architectural features of buildings.
· Replacement of signage with traditional wooden fascia with wooden/hand painted lettering OR contemporary design.
· Canopies/Awnings complementary to the materials of the shopfront and building (including street furniture).
(Maximum grant funding €4000)
Maximum per building €8,000
Grant Rates
Grant funding will be provided at 80% of total project costs – matched funding of 20% required.
Closing date
The closing date for applications is 12pm on Monday, 3rd October 2022.
Procurement requirements for applications / Quotations
The following procurement rules apply, as a minimum, to the individual projects funded:
2 x Contractor quotations;
1 x Materials quotation;
(Note: 3 written quotations required for contracts above €5,000 as per National Procurement
Guidelines)
Successful applications will require:
· Completed Application Form
· Required Quotations
· Photograph prior to commencement of project
Payment of Grant Award will require
· Photograph of completed project
· Evidence of payment - i.e. bank statement extract showing transaction
For any queries on this scheme please contact Denise Rainey/Sheila Cahill in the Business Support Unit, Laois County Council at businesssupport@laoiscoco.ie