Council targets dereliction in key county towns

CORK County Mayor Seamus McGrath was in Ballincollig on Tuesday to launch the Municipal Districts Streetscape, Painting, Signage and Improvement Scheme, an initiative to combat dereliction in Cork towns.

The scheme, an extension of the Derelict Sites Act 1990, highlights one town in every district which should undergo renovations and improvements to improve the towns appearance and cleanliness.

Each town chosen will be provided with additional financial support which will go towards assisting local property owners to renovate their store fronts, a tidy town initiative and improving the overall towns appearance.

In North Cork, Charleville, Mallow’s New Street and Kanturks Percival Street have all been designated as areas for improvement.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Mayor McGrath spoke about the proactive approach taken to deliver the scheme.

“The Municipal Districts Streetscape, Painting, Signage and Improvement Scheme 2017 will look at processes that will lead to an improvement in a town, or a particular part of it and what practical measures will assist in improving the built fabrics of our towns.

“The scheme will have a major beneficial effect on an area. Working in conjunction with the council, property owners can reduce the cost of rejuvenating their property and help to improve the aspect of an entire street. The Council will also assist in ensuring that colour schemes for areas and individual properties are chosen correctly to provide for a vibrant but harmonious streetscape,” he added.

The towns of Kanturk and Mallow will be prioritsed under various council initiatives, with a focus on encouraging take up on entire street basis

Tenants or owners of buildings, or local Tidy Towns Groups in the towns of Buttevant, Kanturk, Mallow, Millstreet and Newmarket may apply for financial assistance under the scheme to assist in improving the overall appearance of buildings.

Applications are available from Cork County Council offices across Cork. Closing date 19th May.