Applications open for Shopfront Improvement Scheme

Dublin City council is now accepting applications for this year’s Shopfront Improvement Scheme.  

According to the Dublin County Council (DCC) website, the scheme will cover up to 50% of the costs of any work done to improve a business shopfront in the Liberties area.  

“The main goal of the scheme is to create more attractive and inviting commercial areas in the south west inner city by incentivising businesses and premises owners to undertake upgrades, refurbishment, and repair of their ground floor frontages,” said Stephen Coyne, economic development officer at DCC.   

Applications to the scheme are available from now until 27 June, and the qualifying work could be as simple as new signage or as large as replacing the entire shopfront.   

Coyne explained that around 32 businesses participate in the scheme every year and “all types of shops take part.”

“It’s a good incentive for established premises to revamp their appearance,” Coyne said. 

Grants provided reach upwards of three grand, and some recent projects listed on libertiesdublin.ie include Betty Bojangles’ vintage shop, Aurthur’s Public House, and St. Audoen’s Church.  

“The scheme is also handy for new arrivals to help with the costs of an initial fit-out. The scheme is open to all premises with a ground floor frontage, and so community uses, pubs and restaurants, and even churches have taken part,” said Stephen Coyne.  

The scheme has operated for around ten years and has significantly changed Dublin 8’s shopfronts over that time.  

“I would like to see it expand across the whole city area, although this poses challenges around funding and staff resources to administer the scheme,” Coyne said.