Businesses benefit from Shopfront Grant scheme
HUNDREDS of businesses in the county have benefited from the Shopfront Grant scheme, but many owners might be unaware that such a scheme exists, according to Cllr Joanna Tuffy (Lab).
Cllr Tuffy asked South Dublin County Council for a breakdown on successful applicants since 2019 for the Shopfronts scheme, and the Outdoor Furniture scheme, which operated last year.
“The reason I asked was that it is a lot of money invested by the council into businesses there, we need to be informed so that it is transparent,” said Cllr Tuffy.
“I’m very pleased with the investment by the council on shop fronts and outdoor areas, it makes areas look so much nicer and adds to the place.
“But I would like to see it promoted more, a lot of areas in the county I know, would benefit from improvements.”
Beneficiaries of the shopfront scheme in 2022 include the Blue Haven in Rathfarnham (€6,996), Jalmont Ltd in Clondalkin (€3,486) and Tan Fusion in Clondalkin (€2,992).
Last year, successful applicants included the Green Mango in Lucan (€9,000), the Penny Black (€5,150), and Tara Buddhist Centre in Templeogue (€8,500).
Rathcoole Shopping Centre received a grant of €44,000 in 2020, and €2,500 in 2022.
The annual scheme allows grants for a maximum of 50 per cent of overall costs of works. If costs are approved for €1,200, the council pays €600 and the trader pays €600.
Each year a prize of an additional €1,000 is awarded for the Best Designed Shopfront.
The council say the Shopfront Grant scheme is advertised each year through social media, advertisements in local papers, targeted marketing, village visits, and through a leaflet drop to businesses /retailers via the annual rates bills, along with emails to elected members.
Cllr Tuffy suspects some businesses are not picking up on the messaging, and sees room for improvement.
“Businesses make a significant contribution to the council exchequer and need to get something back. If I can try and make more businesses a bit aware of the scheme through my role as a councillor and Deputy Mayor, then I will,” said Cllr Tuffy.
