€200k fund seek to revitalise St Patrick's Street

Cork City Council is inviting applications to a €200,000 facade improvement grant to help revitalise the city’s main retail street and strengthen its visual appeal.

The owners of properties located between St Augustine’s Church at the southern end of St Patrick’s Street, and Lavitt’s Quay/Merchant’s Quay at the northern end, are eligible to apply to the scheme, which has two key funding elements.

The St Patrick’s Street painting grant scheme is designed to help improve building facades through painting and minor external works.  The St Patrick’s Street shopfront grant scheme is focused on helping to upgrade and restore shopfronts at street level and will encourage businesses to adopt traditional designs that enhance the historic streetscape. Grant support of up to €5,000, or 25% of costs (excluding Vat), will be made available in regards both schemes.

Business owners may apply for funding under each scheme for a single property, and applications will also be accepted where property owners are in receipt of other grant aid, such as the vacant property grant.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Fergal Dennehy, said the scheme is a positive step in supporting building owners and businesses to refresh Cork city. “This initiative will help brighten facades, enhance the overall streetscape, and create a more inviting environment for shoppers, workers, and visitors alike,” he said. 

The fund, which is being overseen by the the city council’s City Centre Development and Operations Directorate, was agreed at the city council’s December 2025 meeting.

It will encourage the use of traditional materials, sensitive signage, and visually appealing facades that reflect Cork city’s unique identity, aligning with the objectives of the City Development Plan.

A number of trade partners will offer exclusive discounts to successful applicants on painting materials and certain other equipment to help reduce the overall cost of the works, the council confirmed.

The city council is also waiving a range of scaffolding and hoarding fees to encourage applications and wider take‑up of the grant scheme.

City Council chief executive Valerie O’Sullivan said: “By taking part, property owners on Cork’s prime retail street can play an active role in the ongoing renewal of the city centre, helping to strengthen pride of place and contribute to a more welcoming urban experience for all.

“With Cork City Council placing a renewed focus on the city centre, this scheme is a great opportunity to be part of the positive change happening right now.” 

Full terms and conditions, and application forms, are available here.