Clare businesses urged to apply for new grant scheme to refresh shop fronts

Clare County Council has announced the launch of a new grant scheme, aimed at stores and businesses in Ennis. 

As the Public Realm works reach a conclusion, businesses are encouraged to avail of the opportunity this spring to refresh their shop fronts, with the council providing support with a grant of up to €1,000. 

Funds from the Streetscape Enhancement Scheme can be used for painting, improvements to facades and repairs to gutters and downpipes. 

The scheme is available to all owners and occupiers of commercial properties within the Ennis Architectural Conservation Area. It is also available to standalone residential properties premises who adjoin the public realm enhancement work.

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The online application system, accessible through the Council’s website, will open on February 2 and remain available for over three weeks, closing on February 27, 2026.

Welcoming the initiative, Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Mary Howard, said, “I warmly welcome this new Streetscape Enhancement Scheme for Ennis.  Fresh, vibrant shop fronts are a true celebration of our town’s unique spirit and pride—they create a wonderful, lasting impression for everyone who visits or calls Ennis home. I wholeheartedly encourage every local business planning to enhance their shopfront this spring to apply for this grant. This initiative is a fantastic opportunity to empower our business owners, elevate the beauty of our streets, and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to progress and community pride. Together, we are making Ennis shine brighter than ever.”

Ennis Municipal District Acting Senior Engineer, Paddy Tiernan, said “The Public Realm Project has opened up the town making it more accessible and attractive to visitors, local people and those wishing to do business in the county town. Clare County Council is grateful to the businesses and residents of Ennis for their patience during the public realm works and now look forward to reaping the benefits of these improvements, which will enhance the streetscape of Ennis and encourage more people to live, socialise, and do business in the town centre. The Ennis Streetscape Enhancement Scheme aims to support individual businesses and further enhance that offering.”