Newtown Gets €100,000 Makeover Fund

Newtownmountkennedy SUN28AUG22

atest press release from Minister Simon Harris, issued on Tuesday, August 30th 2022…

New funding has been announced for Newtown Mount Kennedy businesses to upgrade their building facades, artwork, murals, lighting, street furniture and canopies, Fine Gael Minister Simon Harris TD has said.

Minister Harris was speaking after Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced funding of €2.6 million for 26 towns selected for funding with each local authority to receive €100,000 as part of the initiative.

The Streetscape Enhancement Initiative will provide retail and property owners in Newtownmountkennedy with grants they can use to give their business a facelift. The primary aim of the scheme is to make towns and villages more attractive places to live, work or visit.

“Wicklow County Council will manage the initiative and will begin advertising for applications in the coming weeks”, Minister Harris concluded.

The types of projects that could be supported include:

1. Strategic collaboration between property owners to paint buildings and/or shopfronts in vibrant colours

2. Upgrade or restoration of historic / traditional shopfronts

3. Provision of street planting, shrubbery, trees and flowers boxes

4. Installation of canopies

5. Murals/public artwork

Minister Heather Humphreys added, “I want as many businesses and property owners to get involved over the next few weeks and to avail of this funding. You may wish to give the front of your shop a new lease of life and repaint it in bright, vibrant colours.

“Perhaps you want to cover your windowsills with flowers and plants or purchase street furniture, canopies for your customers to enjoy.

“Or maybe you have an even bolder idea. This time round, I’m encouraging neighbouring businesses to submit a joint application to their local authority if they have a more ambitious proposal.”