From Department of Rural and Community Development
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Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today confirmed that she has extended the deadline for completion of works under the €7 million Streetscape Enhancement Initiative to 31st December 2021.
The Streetscape Enhancement Initiative is a key part of Our Rural Future and is designed to make our rural towns and villages more attractive places to live, work and visit.
Announcing the change, Minister Humphreys said:
“There has been a very positive response to the new Streetscapes Enhancement Initiative introduced by the Government this year. This unique initiative is about making our rural towns and villages more attractive and welcoming places for locals and visitors alike. I have no doubt that the works funded will make a big impact on the appearance of our towns and villages.
“Given the challenges faced by many property owners in delivering their projects within the required timeframe, I am pleased to be able to extend the deadline for completion of works until the end of the year.
"I am also providing some further flexibility to Local Authorities as regards how they manage the scheme locally and report on the outcomes to my Department. My Department has already been in contact with each Local Authority to inform them of these changes”.
Under the scheme, property owners in over 120 towns and villages are being provided with funding to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork and install features such as canopies and street furniture.
The initiative is being delivered by the Local Authorities, with considerable discretion provided to each Local Authority to design the scheme locally to meet their individual needs. Initially, Local Authorities were required to report back on the delivery of the scheme in November of this year, resulting in some property owners being required to complete works by the end of October. The deadline for completion of works has now been extended to 31st December 2021.