The Department for Rural and Community Development has allocated €220,000 in Co Longford under the Streetscape Enhancement Measure 2021 of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Longford County Council is calling on all property owners in designated towns Longford, Granard, Drumlish and Lanesborough to apply for funding under the new scheme.

Launching the scheme, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD stated that the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative will provide funding to property owners to improve the facades of their buildings.

"It is part of the Government's effort to assist in the regeneration, repopulation and development of our rural towns and villages," said Minister Humphreys.

"Improving the visual appearance of our urban streetscapes increases pride and confidence in our hometowns and villages, making them more attractive places to live, work and do business."

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The Streetscape Enhancement Measure will be administered by Local Authorities and will involve Longford County Council working in collaboration with local businesses and property owners to add colour and freshness to rural towns and villages.

Welcoming the new initiative, Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Peggy Nolan commented: "This will support hard-pressed business owners to enhance the exterior of their premises making them more appealing to locals and visitors alike. When I see what has been achieved in towns like Kinsale, Adare and others, I think to myself why not Longford – and now I'm delighted that we have a wonderful opportunity to do just that for four towns in our county."

Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon added: "Enhancing our streetscapes will create a positive vibe and energy in our urban centres which in turn will attract higher footfall and help our local businesses to flourish."

Levels of support for eligible projects will range from 70 per cent for individual premises to 80 per cent for joint applications (groups of three or more adjacent premises) to 100 per cent where the painting is undertaken by direct labour by the applicant. The maximum level of support to any individual building is €8,000.

For further information, or to apply for the scheme, interested parties can log on to www.longfordcoco.ie or email [email protected].

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on 07 September 2021.