Grants

Our Town Centre Improvement Programme offers grants to town centre businesses and property owners for property improvements and a range of business  activities.

Organisations and local groups can also apply for grants towards the cost of physical improvements, events and other projects that enhance the town centre environment. Application forms are available from the links to the right.

Commercial Grant Schemes

There are three commercial grant schemes and applicants may apply for a grant under any one, two or all three schemes. The maximum amount of grant awarded to a single applicant will not exceed €100,000 (approximately £62,000). Small and medium sized enterprises (under 250 employees), freeholders and self-employed tenants of commercial premises in the eligible areas may apply for these grants.

Scheme 1: Shopfront and Building Façade Grants (external work)

This scheme will refund up to 50% of eligible costs (up to a maximum grant of £15,000 for a single elevation), for repairs or restorative work to the front façade of a building that results in an improvement to the property's appearance and commercial viability. Eligible costs include professional fees, permits, consents, scaffolding, hoardings, labour and materials. Security improvements and other costs may also be eligible.

Scheme 2: Commercial Building Improvement Grants (internal work)

Scheme 2 will refund up to 50% of eligible costs (up to a maximum grant of £30,000), for repair, modernisation or restorative work to the internal parts of a building that results in new commercial floorspace or an improvement in the market value of existing commercial floorspace. As with Scheme 1, eligible costs include professional fees, permits, consents, scaffolding, hoardings, labour and materials. Security improvements and other costs may also be eligible.

Scheme 3: Business Incentive Grants

This scheme provides grants for creating a new commercial enterprise, expanding an existing enterprise, or for a business engaging in a fundamental change in its operations, products or services within the eligible area. Applicants may apply for grants towards one or more of the eligible activities. The scheme will refund up to 50% of eligible costs (up to a maximum grant limit that varies according to the type of activity). There is an upper grant limit of £10,000 under this scheme if a business receives a grant for more than one activity. Eligible activities include capital investment, professional consultancy, job creation, introduction of technology, exhibiting, marketing, training and maintaining jobs.

Revitalisation and Environmental Improvement Grants

Voluntary and community organisations, residents and business groups, single businesses or individuals who are planning projects that will improve the town centre environment and meet the needs of the local community can apply for grants under this scheme. Grants can be used to refund costs associated with the following:

• Environmental improvements that aid in the physical regeneration of the town centres and encourage increased use of public spaces.
• Events or other projects that add vitality to the streets, enhance the image of the town centres and contribute to commercial activity.