The allocation of grant funding to both property and business owners across Cork county to improve the appearance of town centre properties, was recently announced by Cork County Council.
In total, 197 applications were received by Cork County Council under the 2025 Streetscape Enhancement Scheme, with funding of €217,000 allocated to 111 successful applicants across 29 towns and villages.
The scheme aims to improve the appearance of the main streets of towns and villages in county Cork through supporting streetscape enhancement works. Applications were considered on a case-by-case basis with a key consideration being positive visual impact on the streetscape and supporting traditional shopfronts.
The scheme includes four different support measures, ranging from 60% grant aid for works, to 100% funding for materials. Aspects covered include painting of premises and improvements to shop-front signage as well as materials costs.
Cork County Council is further supporting successful applicants by offering guidance on colour palette and design, on conservation principles for traditional shop fronts, and on the use of the Irish language in signage.
Welcoming the allocation of funding, the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, said that the scheme had a ‘wider effect’.
“This scheme directly supports and rewards property owners who are maintaining and improving properties in our towns to support occupancy, and has the wider effect of making our town centres more attractive, inviting places for people to visit. It adds to the significant investment by Cork County Council in public realm improvements generally and I look forward to seeing the completed works in towns and villages around the county.”
