Economic incentives
for a better Waterford
As Waterford City & County Council look to finalise their Development Plan in the coming weeks, a number of incentive schemes are now on offer to attract new businesses and assist with urban development. Here we take a look at some of those on offer. SHOP FRONT IMPROVEMENT SCHEME A budget of €20,000 has been allocated to build on the pilot Shop Front Improvement Scheme launched in the city centre in 2020, with a further 20,000 allocated to Dungarvan to promote the use of Irish language signage. The scheme opens this month and closes to applications in April, with all works to be completed before the year end. The objectives of the scheme are: • To enhance the appearance of retail and commercial premises in Waterford City centre by encouraging and supporting owners of local retail and commercial premises to improve their individual shop fronts • To support the vitality and vibrancy of Waterford City centre with positive benefits for all • Create a more attractive environment that residents, visitors, shoppers and businesses can enjoy
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What type of buildings/premises are eligible? • Commercial premises fronting onto a public road • Commercial premises in the city centre (as defined by the Development Plan) • Owners or leaseholders of indigenous commercial businesses/ retail premises – premises that are part of a franchise or chain are not eligible • Commercial premises where there are no commercial rates outstanding to Waterford Council
Type of Work (Examples only): • Up to a max of €1,000: • Paint and redecorate shop front • Decluttering and repair of shop fronts • Up to a max of €2,000 • Replace shopfront and/or signage • Material changes to shopfront • Removal of high level signage • Specified works to upper floors, subject to improvements at ground level For details, please contact:
The scheme provides for up to 50% of the cost of shopfront refurbishment, depending on the work proposed with a maximum allowable contribution of €2,000 per applicant depending on the nature of the works. Proposals should be in line with Waterford Council’s ‘Shopfront and Signage Guidance Document’ (2019).
Maureen Fitzsimons (city centre) mfitzsimons@waterfordcouncil.ie 087 7649173 Bernadette Drohan (Dungarvan) bdrohan@waterfordcouncil.ie 087 2586597
NETWORK • Q1 2021
