Shopfront Improvement Scheme 2017 Launched

Dublin City Council South Central Area office is now seeking applications under the Shopfront Improvement Scheme 2017. The scheme, which has operated for the past two years under The Liberties Business Area Improvement Initiative, supports businesses and property owners in a defined area to renovate and improve their shopfronts and building frontages as part of the wider renewal of The Liberties.

The scheme supported 16 projects in 2016 on Thomas Street, Francis Street, James Street and Meath Street and a number of outstanding projects will commence shortly. A recent review of the scheme and business attitudes in the area found that two-thirds of respondents considered attractive shopfront to be important to the overall commercial success of the area, while 50% of respondents were considering work in 2017. The scheme is therefore an effective support to build on the many improvements of the past two years.

Applications are now invited and the closing date for applicants is 31st March 2017. Qualifying works include:

• Painting and decorating an existing shopfronts
• Repair, decluttering, greening and general enhancement of fronts
• Certain works to the upper floors of buildings such as sash window repair, rainwater goods repair
• Removal of high-level signage and redundant signage
• Installation of new shopfronts or material changes to existing frontages (subject to planning permission)

A Description of the Scheme and Application Form are included below. More details on the scheme are available from stephen@libertiesdublin.ie or telephone (01) 222 5180.

Description of SchemeApplication Form