Cork City Council has launched a €200,000 fund to refresh the appearance of St Patrick's Street, inviting applications for grants aimed at improving building frontages and strengthening the visual appeal of the city's principal retail thoroughfare.

Called the City Centre Façade Improvement Grant 2026, the scheme offers financial support of up to €10,000 per property on St Patrick's Street to help deliver a more attractive and welcoming city centre, boosting economic activity in the process. The programme, managed by the City Centre Development and Operations Directorate (CCDOD), was approved at the Council's December 2025 meeting and is now open for applications.

Properties located between St Augustine's Church at the southern end of St Patrick's Street and Lavitt's Quay/Merchant’s Quay at the northern end are eligible to apply. The fund features two strands:

The St Patrick's Street Painting Grant Scheme supports painting and minor external improvements to façades, offering up to €5,000 or 25% of eligible costs (excluding VAT), whichever is lower.

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The St Patrick's Street Shopfront Grant Scheme focuses on upgrading or restoring street‑level shopfronts, encouraging traditional, high‑quality designs that respect the historic character. It provides up to €5,000 or 25% of eligible costs (excluding VAT), whichever is lower.

The initiative aligns with the City Development Plan's objectives to safeguard and enhance Cork’s historic streetscape, promote quality shopfront design and reinforce the character of key retail areas. It will encourage traditional materials, sensitive signage and visually appealing façades that reflect Cork’s distinctive identity.

Applicants may seek funding under both strands for the same property. The scheme can also complement other supports, such as vacant property grants, where applicable. In addition, a number of trade partners will give exclusive discounts on painting materials and certain equipment to successful applicants to reduce project costs.

To facilitate uptake, Cork City Council is waiving a range of scaffolding and hoarding fees linked to the works covered by the scheme.

Full details, including terms and conditions and application forms, are available at www.corkcity.ie/en/doing-business-in-cork/business-supports/grants/.

Completed applications must be submitted by Thursday 26 March 2026. Each proposal will be assessed on its value for money and likely positive impact on the St Patrick’s Street streetscape. Successful applicants are expected to be notified before April 2026.