COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, April 24, 2023

QUESTION NO.

QUESTION: Councillor T. Costello

"To ask the Manager how many business in TALLAGHT availed of Shop Front Grant?"

REPLY:

The shopfront improvement grant scheme is intended to improve the appearance of independently owned shops fronting public streets, making streets and villages in South Dublin County Council’s administrative area more aesthetically pleasing to both residents and visitors.

The annual shopfront improvement grant scheme provides grants for something as simple as painting to replacing an entire shopfront. Grants are available for a maximum of 50% of overall costs of works. Example Grant with overall approved costs of €1,200: SDCC pays €600 – and the trader pays €600. Furthermore, each year a prize of an additional €1,000 is awarded for the Best Designed Shopfront under the scheme.

Certain terms and conditions apply to the scheme, and these include but are not limited to: Submitting proof of building owners’ consent before commencing works; to clarify in advance whether planning permission is required before works commence; not to commence works before receiving scheme approval. Therefore applicants are requested to review the scheme’s Terms & Conditions and Design Guide before submitting an application.

Shopfronts are one of the most important elements in determining the character, quality and perception of retail streets in towns and villages. South Dublin County Council is committed to promoting good quality shopfronts, and to encourage a discipline in this area based on clear principles of good shopfront design. The Shopfront Design Guide was prepared to provide assistance to designers, retailers and planners alike in understanding and implementing these principles

The Shopfront Grant Scheme is advertised each year through social media, advertisements in local papers, targeted marketing, and through a leaflet drop to businesses /retailers via the annual rates bills. The Elected Members are also e-mailed with details when the scheme is open for applications.

Explanatory information and application forms are available online at https://www.sdcc.ie/en/services/business/enterprise/business-support/shop-front-grant/shop-front-grant.html 

Twelve businesses have availed of the shop front improvement grant scheme in Tallaght.