21 applications are successful for Shopfront Grant Scheme
By Maurice Garvey
THERE were 21 successful applications in 2018 for the Shopfront Grant Scheme in South Dublin County.
The South Dublin County Council scheme is intended to improve the appearance of independently owned shops fronting public streets with grants available for simple projects such as painting a shop, replacing signage or entire shopfronts.
Anita Broderick, Sallyann Freyne, Daniel Whelan and Vivienne Smith of Freyne's Pharamacy pictured with Mayor Mark Ward and Frank Nevin, SDCC.
Overall, the council received 29 applications last year, but five were not pursued and three applications were withdrawn.
Up to €40,000 in funding was made available for the scheme in 2018.
Grants up to a maximum of €8,500 are available (50 per cent of the overall cost of works).
So, if the overall approved costs of a project is €1,000, the shop owner pays €500 and SDCC pays €500.
Freyne’s Pharmacy in Clondalkin Village won the award for best Shopfront in 2018.
Up to €40,000 has been allocated for the scheme again in 2019, and SDCC say they have received some 17 expressions of interest to date.
Leaflets advertising the scheme were delivered to over 9,000 commercial rate owners in the county.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, March 29.
New additions to the scheme in 2019 include a grant for canopies/awnings to the material of the shopfront building, green enhancement of entrances and accessibility ramps and automated doors.
To apply for the scheme, retailers can complete an application form online by visiting www.sdcc.ie or send hard copies to the County Promotion Unit, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24, or via email econdev@sdublincoco.ie.
Contact the County Promotion Unit at 4149000 Ext: 4631 for queries with applications.
