Kilcoole Gets A Fresh Lick Of Paint

atest press release from Minister Simon Harris, issued on Monday, August 23rd 2021…

Wicklow Fine Gael Minister Simon Harris TD has welcomed the announcement by the Department of Rural and Community Development that six Wicklow Towns and Villages will share €320,000 funding for Streetscape Enhancement Initiative.

Minister Harris said: “The Streetscape Enhancement Initiative is designed to improve the appearance of the centre of our towns and villages. Under the scheme, property owners will be provided with funding to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork and install features such as canopies and street furniture.”

The following six Wicklow Towns are to receive funding under the scheme – Arklow, Baltinglass, Blessington, Enniskerry Village, Kilcoole and Wicklow Town

The types of projects to be supported include:

• strategic collaboration between property owners to paint buildings or shopfronts in vibrant colours

• commissioning of murals in towns and villages

• upgrade or restoration of historic / traditional shopfronts

• provision of street planting, shrubbery, trees and flowers boxes

• illumination and lighting of architectural features

• installation of canopies and street furniture

• decluttering of streetscapes with removal of unnecessary signs / wires

Minister Harris added: “This initiative is about making our rural towns and villages more attractive and welcoming places for locals and visitors alike. Whether it’s painting buildings in vibrant colours, upgrading shop fronts or installing canopies or street furniture – this fund will provide a welcome boost to rural communities the length and breadth of the country.

“We all know that even the most modest of improvements to our buildings and streetscapes can make a huge difference.

“Wicklow County Council will be shortly seeking applications from interested parties and I encourage local businesses and community groups to apply to scheme”, Minister Harris concluded.