Council details grants to enhance businesses across Cork

Cork County Council has announced the allocation of more than €215,000 in grant funding to property owners and business owners across Cork.

The funding comes as part of the 2025 Streetscape Enhancement Scheme, which aims to improve the appearance of town centre properties across Cork county.

With 197 applications received by Cork County Council, funding of €217,000 has been allocated to 111 successful applicants across 29 Cork towns and villages.

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 shopfronts; and on the use of the Irish language in signage.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Mary Linehan Foley, said the scheme has the “wider effect of making our town centres more attractive”.

“This scheme directly supports and rewards property owners who are maintaining and improving properties in our towns to support occupancy,” said Ms Linehan Foley.

“It has the wider effect of making our town centres more attractive, [creating] inviting places for people to visit.

“It [also] 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.”

Moira Murrell, chief executive of Cork County Council, said the scheme is “one of a number of measures” employed by the local authority to regenerate Cork county.

“I am greatly encouraged by the level of interest in the Streetscape Enhancement Scheme, which is a successful collaborative effort between our elected members of council, local communities and businesses and Cork County Council, to improve the appearance of our town and village centres,” said Ms Murrell.

“This initiative is one of a number of measures that Cork County Council are employing to build upon the significant county-wide investment in council-led regeneration projects such as greenways, libraries, housing, improving the public realm and bringing sustainable travel.”