The purpose of this scheme is to foster good design practices which respect the character of streetscape in terms of detailing, materials and finishes to the exterior of premises. The encouragement of high quality commercial frontages which use a variety of architectural styles which need not duplicate established architectural approaches but should conform to the scale, massing, height and urban grain of the subject building and also contribute to the overall aesthetic, appearance, character and heritage of the urban environment. Funding under the scheme is only available to existing businesses.

The Shop Front improvement: Accessibility and Age Friendly Grant Scheme is funded by the Local Authorities and each local Authority has the right to use their discretion in regard to their process and the development of appropriate terms and conditions that are appropriate for their respective streetscapes, businesses etc. All applicants will be required to comply with planning codes, legislative requirements and other compliance requirements. Applicants should assess their own eligibility (including the requirement for planning)

In order to apply for the Shopfront Improvement, Accessibility and Age Friendly Grant Scheme all applicants must adhere to the following application process:

1.    Complete the following application form on Submit.com

2.    It is important that the following are included:

-        If application is for materials + labour up to and including a net value of €5,000: 2 quotations

-        If application is for materials + labour is over a net value of €5,000: 3 quotations

3.    The Economic Development team will review your application

4.    Once we review the application, we will respond with decision.

5.    Once work has been completed (within 4 months from date of letter of offer) your contractor must then be paid and claim can be submitted to Economic Development Unit within 30 days of its completion.

6.    At this stage, payment can be made to the applicant.

 The scheme is open to independently owned businesses that are on the main thoroughfare of towns and villages in Co Kildare

 Those premises that have no commercial rates outstanding to Kildare County Council or have a payment plan in place.

Grants will not be offered in respect of the following:

·        Works already completed prior to application being received

·        Structural repairs including re-roofing

·        Structural internal repairs and alterations

·        External security features such as CCTV systems

 Painting, Woodwork, Signage, Lighting etc

Link to Kildare County Councils Shopfront Design Guidelines: Please review before applying:

https://kildarecoco.ie/YourCouncil/Publications/Planning/ShopfrontGuidelines2013/Adopted%20County%20Kildare%20Shopfront%20Guidelines.pdf

The scheme will provide for:

Applicants will apply through their relevant Local Authority. The scheme will remain open until Friday 30th June or until the fund is exhausted, whichever occurs first. 

Personal information collected by Kildare Council is done so in order for us to process your application. Legally we can process this information as it is necessary for us to comply with our statutory / legal obligations. The protection of your personal data is a key priority for the Council and your data will be processed in line with our Privacy policy which is available at: https://www.kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/YourCouncil/GovernanceandCompliance/DataProtection/DataProtectionStatement/ or hardcopy from our offices at Kildare County Council, Devoy Park, Naas Co Kildare W91 X77F.

If you require further information regarding our Privacy Statement, you can contact us at E-mail dataprotection@kildarecoco.ie or customercare@kildarecoco.ie, write to us at: Data Protection Officer, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co Kildare W91 X77F, or phone 045 980 200.

 The Business Support Unit, Kildare County Council,  by : Email: shopfrontgrant@kildarecoco.ie or Phone 045 980838.