Shopfront Improvement, Universal Accessibility and Age Friendly Grant 2025 : Application
Description
KCC Business Support Unit, MERITS, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas,
Co Kildare W91 FE8V, Email shopfrontgrant@kildarecoco.ie
Shop Front Improvements, Universal Accessibility and Age-Friendly Grant Scheme 2025
PART A - GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SCHEME
Scheme Overview
The purpose of this scheme is to foster good design practices that respect the streetscape's character in terms of detailing, materials and finishes to the exterior of premises. The encouragement of high-quality commercial frontages that use a variety of architectural styles need not duplicate established architectural approaches but should conform to the scale, massing, height and urban grain of the subject building and contribute to the overall aesthetic, appearance, character and heritage of the urban environment. Funding under the scheme is only available to existing businesses.
The Local Authority fund the Shop Front Improvement, Universal Accessibility and Age Friendly Grant. The Local Authority has the right to use their discretion regarding their process and the development of appropriate terms and conditions 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 eligibility (including the requirement for planning).
Note: Applicants to our funding schemes will be automatically entered for our Pride of Premises Awards ceremony at the end of the year.
PART B - APPLICATION PROCESS FOR SCHEME
To apply for the Shopfront Improvement, Universal Accessibility and Age Friendly Grant Scheme all applicants must adhere to the following application process:
1. Complete the following application form by clicking 'Apply' on this page; requirements include:
- Photo of the current exterior of premises,
- Quotations; 2 x Contractor quotations and/ or 1 x Materials quotation (Note: 3 written quotations for contracts above €5,000 as per National Procurement Guidelines),
- Declaration of ownership or written permission from the landlord/owner that the proposed work can be carried out,
- Tax Clearance Certificate,
- Proof of Payment of Rates to Kildare County Council or a payment plan in place.
2. The Business Support Unit will review your application and will respond with a decision.
3. Should your application be successful, we will respond with a signed Letter of Offer for you to countersign.
4. At this stage, work can commence.
5. Once work has been completed (within 4 months from the date of the Letter of Offer) your contractor must be paid and the claim must be submitted to the Business Support Unit within 30 days of its completion.
6. At this stage, KCC will make payment to the applicant.
Important: Please ensure no work is paid for, or completed before the application for Grant Aid is approved by the Business Support Unit in Kildare County Council.
Important: Cash payments to your contractor or suppliers are PROHIBITED; all payments must be completed by EFT or cheque/ bank draft and proof of payment will be sought.
Important: It is permissible to change suppliers during the project/ process, but KCC MUST approve this before you buy new products/ appoint a new contractor. KCC will amend its Letter of Offer, where/ if possible, to accommodate change; if KCC is not alerted to changes, Grant Aid cannot be paid.
Eligibility
1. Eligibility
The scheme is open to independently owned businesses that are on the main thoroughfare of towns and villages in Co Kildare; all forms must be completed and signed by the business owner/ director.
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 before the application was received
· Structural repairs including re-roofing
· Structural internal repairs and alterations
· External security features such as CCTV systems and shutters
2. What items are considered eligible for the scheme?
Painting, woodwork, floral arrangements, signage, lighting, new doors and windows, and works that enhance accessibility.
Please review Kildare County Council's Shopfront Design Guidelines before applying:
You can find information relating to universal accessibility and disability guidelines via:
3. Amount of Grant Available
The scheme will provide for:
Up to €5000 (ex VAT) or 50% (whichever is lesser) of eligible expenditure
and/or
4. Applications for Funding Timeline
The scheme will remain open until Friday 28th June or until the fund is exhausted, whichever occurs first.
5. Privacy & Data Protection
Personal information collected by Kildare County Council (KCC) is done so for KCC to process your application. Legally we can process this information as it is necessary for KCC to comply with its statutory/legal obligations. The protection of your data is a key priority for the Council and your data will be processed in line with KCC's Privacy policy which is available at: https://www.kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/YourCouncil/GovernanceandCompliance/DataProtection/DataProtectionStatement/ or hardcopy at Kildare County Council, Devoy Park, Naas Co Kildare W91 X77F.
If you require further information regarding KCC's Privacy Statement, you can contact email dataprotection@kildarecoco.ie or customercare@kildarecoco.ie, write to Data Protection Officer, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co Kildare W91 X77F, or phone 045 980 200.
6. Freedom of Information
Applicants should be aware that, under the Freedom of Information Act 2014, information provided by them in this Application may be liable to be disclosed. Applicants are asked to consider if any of the information provided by them in their Application should not be disclosed because of its confidentiality or commercial sensitivity. If Applicants consider that certain information is not to be disclosed because of its confidentiality or commercial sensitivity, Applicants must, when providing such information, clearly identify such information and specify the reasons for its confidentiality or commercial sensitivity. If Applicants do not identify information as confidential or commercially sensitive, it is liable to be released in response to a Freedom of Information request without further notice or consultation with the Applicant. Kildare County Council will, where possible, consult with the Applicant about confidential or commercially sensitive information so identified before deciding on a request received under Freedom of Information.
The Business Support Unit, Kildare County Council, by : Email: shopfrontgrant@kildarecoco.ie or Phone 045 980838.
Shopfront Improvement, Universal Accessibility and Age Friendly Grant 2025 : Application
No closing date