Tuesday, April 10, 2012

New Scheme Puts Kilrush Businesses In The Shop Window

Business owners in Kilrush are being invited to participate in a new initiative aimed at enhancing the physical appearance of commercial buildings throughout the town centre.

Under the Kilrush Shop Front Scheme, financial assistance will be provided to the owners and occupiers of new and existing businesses in the town centre who carry out improvements to the front of their properties.

The scheme represents Phase 2 of a town centre regeneration programme being managed by Kilrush Town Council, in conjunction with Kilrush Chamber of Commerce, Shannon Development and Kilrush Tidy Towns.

The Council also confirmed this week that an open Shop Front competition will be held during the summer months. 

Mayor of Kilrush Councillor Ian Lynch said he welcomed any initiative which sought to further enhance the physical appearance of Kilrush.

The Mayor added: “Kilrush is a designated Heritage Town and many of the commercial properties in Moore Street and Henry Street date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries.  Not only will these improvement works further improve the overall appearance of the town centre, but they also will help preserve the town’s status as a Heritage Town.”

Ms. Nora Kaye, Kilrush Town Manager explained that the scheme forms part of an ongoing regeneration programme for Kilrush.

“The Shop Front Scheme follows on from the successful resurfacing of Moore Street during 2011. This second phase of the regeneration programme is designed to encourage business owners to play their part in improving the appearance of their businesses and shops, and in doing so contribute to an enhanced streetscape”, she stated.

Under the scheme, the maximum grant available to participating businesses is €750 or 50 % of the cost of the works, whichever is the lesser. The works must be carried between September 2011 and October 2012. All applications for assistance under the fund must be received by 30 April 2012.

According to Ms. Kaye: “Following an assessment of applications, approval in principle will be given to successful applicants and monies paid out on the satisfactory completion of the works, together with evidence of invoices paid. Applications for premises where arrears of any statutory local authority charges are unpaid will not be considered.”

Further details on the Kilrush Shop Front Scheme are available from Kilrush Town Council, Town Hall, Kilrush, Co. Clare, on (065) 9051047.