Deadline Date: Ongoing
The Shop Front Improvement Scheme Grant is designed to support the improvement of the overall appearance and accessibility of commercial properties that front onto public streets within the County.
Recognising the important role shop fronts play in shaping the character of towns and villages, the scheme aims to support improvements that contribute positively to the streetscape and reflect the architectural quality of their surroundings. Well-designed shop fronts can add charm, vitality, and a strong sense of place, making local areas more attractive to both shoppers and visitors.
The scheme is designed to support business owners who invest in their premises in a way that enhances the local environment and strengthens the image of town centres in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. By encouraging thoughtful and high-quality design, the initiative seeks to increase local and visitor footfall while reinforcing the unique identity of the County’s streets and commercial areas.
Under the scheme, eligible applicants can receive financial assistance covering up to 50 percent of the cost of shop front improvements, subject to a maximum grant of €5,000 per applicant. Applications must be submitted in advance of any works, as funding cannot be provided retrospectively for costs already incurred.
The scheme is open to owners or lessees of existing independent shops whose premises front onto public streets within the County’s towns and villages. Applicants must provide proof of ownership or leasehold interest in the premises. The proposed shop front design must be appropriate in scale, materials, and proportions, respecting both the building in which it is located and the character of the surrounding street.
To ensure the integrity of the scheme, applications from large chains or multiple retailers are not accepted, with eligibility limited to independent businesses as determined by the Council. Additionally, no unauthorised development must have taken place on the premises, and the future use of the property must comply with existing planning permissions. Through this scheme, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council continues to support local businesses while enhancing the quality and attractiveness of the County’s public spaces.
For more information, visit Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
