This article is from page 23 of the 2012-02-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 23 JPG
A NEW initiative to help regenerate the old traditional shopping streets of Kilrush by improving the streetscape has been introduced by the local authority.
Kilrush Town Council has agreed to fund up to € 750 of the cost of giving shops on Moore Street and Henry Street a facelift.
The Shop Front Initiative will follow on from the resurfacing of Moore Street last year.
The town council is working with the Chamber of Commerce, Shannon Development and the Tidy Towns in this second phase, which will encourage new business in these streets and assist existing businesses in improving their shop fronts.
The scheme will apply to owners and occupiers of existing businesses and also to new businesses in Moore Street and Henry Street.
The scheme will operate on a points basis with the maximum number of points being awarded in the case where new businesses are created.
Traditional shop fronts will be encouraged as will hand painted signs.
People will also be encouraged through the scheme to paint all of the buildings’ façades.
All applications for assistance under the fund must be received by April 30 and all works must be completed by August 2012. 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 and signed declaration of owner or occupier. The maximum grant that will be available is € 750 or 50 per cent of the cost of the works, whichever is the lesser value. However applications for premises where arrears of any statutory local authority charges are unpaid will not be considered. Kilrush town councillor and local business woman Mairéad O’Brien said she was more encouraged by the scheme once she realised that people did not have to completely overhaul their shop front, and that those that under took painting work could also apply. She said, however, that she did not believe it would attract new businesses. “I don’t think 20 businesses will take it up because they won’t have the where with all to pay 50 per cent,” she added. Town Manager Nora Kaye said, “The scheme is intended to be flexible to encourage people to do up the buildings.” There is a budget of € 10,000 available for the project.