Four Mayo towns to benefit from €7m. street enhancement scheme

Four Mayo towns are set to benefit from the new €7 million National Streetscape Enhancement Scheme announced today.

They are Ballina, Ballinrobe, Castlebar and Newport.

The fund is designed to cover shop front painting, murals, provision of street planting along with other improvements,

Mayo County Council is leading the scheme.

Welcoming the announcement, Mayo TD Michael Ring said: “I am very pleased that Newport, Castlebar, Ballinrobe and Ballina have been approved funding under this new scheme to support the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts.

"Under this scheme, property owners will be provided with funding to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork and install features such as canopies and street furniture.

“The towns under this scheme were selected by Mayo County Council. Mayo County Council will now begin the process of advertising locally for applications.

The types of projects to be supported include:

· Strategic collaboration between property owners to paint buildings or shopfronts in vibrant colours

· Commissioning of murals in towns and villages

· Upgrade or restoration of historic / traditional shopfronts

· Provision of street planting, shrubbery, trees and flowers boxes

· Illumination and lighting of architectural features

· Installation of canopies and street furniture.

· Decluttering of streetscapes with removal of unnecessary signs/wires

“I would encourage business and property owners in Newport, Castlebar, Ballinrobe and Ballina to contact Mayo County Council for information on how to apply.

"This initiative is about making our rural towns and villages more attractive and welcoming places for locals and visitors alike. I have no doubt that projects funded under this initiative will make a huge difference to our rural towns and villages, he added.

In a statement, Deputy Alan Dillon said: “This initiative is about making our rural towns and villages more attractive and welcoming places for locals and visitors alike, whether it’s painting buildings in vibrant colours, upgrading shop fronts or installing canopies or street furniture – this fund will provide a welcome boost to rural communities the length and breadth of the country.

“We all know that even the most modest of improvements to our buildings and streetscapes can make a huge difference.

“And so over the coming weeks, local authorities will work closely with businesses and property owners to give our towns and villages the facelift they deserve.”