CLARE Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has welcomed a €100,000 allocation to Lisdoonvarna from the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative for local retailers and property owners to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork or install features such as street furniture or canopies.
Urging property owners to apply to Clare County Council to avail of the funding, Deputy Carey said that it was a great opportunity to make Lisdoonvarna a more attractive place to live, work and visit.
The types of projects that could be supported include the restoration of traditional shopfronts, provision of street planting, installation of canopies as well as murals and public artwork.
“This kind of initiative is even more significant as we recover economically post-pandemic. Streetscapes offers businesses a new lease of life and the opportunity to get creative. Clare County Council will manage the initiative and will begin advertising for applications in the coming weeks and I would encourage all local businesses, property owners and retailers to apply for funding,” Deputy Carey added.
Lisdoonvarna is one of 26 towns and villages that will benefit from the €2.6million fund announced by Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys who said there was a hugely positive reaction from businesses and retailers when the scheme was launched last year.
“We all take pride in our rural towns and villages and want them to be as attractive and welcoming as possible. That’s exactly what Streetscapes is all about. I want as many businesses and property owners to get involved over the next few weeks and to avail of this funding.
“You may wish to give the front of your shop a new lease of life and repaint it in bright, vibrant colours. Perhaps you want to cover your window sills with flowers and plants or purchase street furniture, canopies for your customers to enjoy.
“Or maybe you have an even bolder idea. This time round, I’m encouraging neighbouring businesses to submit a joint application to their local authority if they have a more ambitious proposal.
“For example, under the first tranche of funding, some businesses transformed their facades with attractive murals – that’s one way to make your town stand out,” Minister Humphreys added.
