Ireland: Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme 2023

The Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme is available to local retailers and business owners from core areas within the towns of Ardee, Drogheda and Dundalk.  Shopfronts are one of the most important elements in determining the character, quality and perception of retail streets in their towns and it is hoped to promote good quality shopfronts through this initiative.  To help businesses achieve this, Louth County Council has also published a Shopfront Design Guidelines booklet.

Funding Information

• Maximum Grant €2,000

Eligible Works

• Eligible works under the scheme may include:
  • Repair and reinstatement of all or any part of a shop front fixture that is visible from the street, including the first and second floors of premises. They wish to encourage the reinstatement of architectural or historic features that have formed part of the buildings’ design and character but may have been lost or damaged over time.
  • Retention of original shop front and reinstatement of original features will be encouraged. New shop fronts in a traditional style should be based on the Shopfront Design Guidelines and nearby appropriate examples. Modern designs will also be supported: however, these must use high quality materials and be sympathetic to the immediate area.
  • Repainting of shop fronts in suitable colours.
  • Repair and reinstatement of guttering and down-pipes to match historic materials.
  • Repainting and/or re-rendering of prominent elevations in a suitable heritage style.
  • Repair of external stonework and brickwork and replacement of stonework or brickwork which forms part of the stall riser of the shop front.
  • Pedestrian access improvements, which in particular support the Age Friendly Initiative.
  • Signage. Removal and replacement of neon signs, banners or other inappropriate signage affixed to front elevations (or side elevations visible from the street) and replacement with signage more appropriate to the Shop Front Design.
  • Replacement of Shutters.
  • Should applicants wish to undertake work themselves: a grant will be paid towards material costs only.

Eligibility Criteria

• Grants will only be offered to independent businesses. No grants are available to businesses that are part of national or international chains.
• Grants will not be offered in respect of works already completed in excess of 6 months.
• Grants will not be paid in respect of properties included on the Derelicts Sites Register.
• A claim under the Shop Front Grant initiative may only be made once in every five year period.
• Maximum Grant is 50% of cost up to a maximum of €2,000.
• Applications may not be considered where there are local taxes or charges due to the Council.

For more information, visit Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme.