Council seeks grant applications

Cavan County Council has put out a call for applications under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) Streetscape Enhancement Measure 2021. The new streetscape enhancement measure is part of the ‘Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025’ as set out by the government.

The aim of the scheme is to support the upgrade and enhancement of street facades and shopfronts. The scheme is open to applications in respect of commercial premises, residential or unoccupied buildings.

The areas eligible for enhancement under the scheme in 2021 are: Ballyjamesduff (Granard Street, Chapel Street, Market Street, Main Street, Dublin Street, Stradone Street), Belturbet (Bridge Street Upper and Lower, Butler Street, Main Street) and Cootehill (Market Street, Bridge Street).

There are a number of options open to participants. Works that are eligible for funding under the scheme include the replacement of existing shopfront with traditional painted wooden shopfront or contemporary design (up to a maximum of €4,000 grant per building), the replacement of signage with traditional wooden fascia with wooden/hand painted lettering or contemporary design (to a maximum of €4,000 grant per building), decluttering of shopfronts (for example removal of redundant wiring/poles/signs to a maximum of €2,000 grant per building).

Other areas to be funded include painting of building/shopfront, colours to be pre-agreed with Cavan County Council (maximum €1,500 grant per building), murals which are agreed in advance with Cavan County Council (max €1,500 grant per building), green enhancement of entrances/terraces with planting (max €500 grant per building), careful illumination and lighting of architectural features of buildings (max €4,000 grant per building).

The maximum overall grant for any one building is €8,000. The grant scheme is at 70% grant rate in the case of an individual property or 80% where there are 3 or more adjacent properties. 100% grant aid may be available where painting is undertaken by direct labour by the applicant.

Cavan County Council is seeking applications by 4pm on Thursday 2nd September 2021. Applications will be assessed, and successful applicants will be notified by September 21st, 2021.

All works must be completed no later than November 5th, 2021. The scheme outline, application forms and terms and conditions are available to download at the link below or may be requested by email to dmcenerney@cavancoco.ie.

Completed applications for the scheme should be returned to:

John Donohoe, Community, Enterprise and Tourism Department, Cavan County Council, Farnham St, Cavan, or emailed to dmcenerney@cavancoco.ie or borourke@cavancoco.ie