Paint the town red - or yellow, or blue or green

THE owners of premises in five north Cork towns have been offered the chance to avail of financial assistance to spruce up the outside of their buildings under a county council scheme.

The town painting scheme was introduced by the former Mallow Town Council a number of years ago to in a bid to encourage owners in the town to freshen up their buildings with a lick of paint.

For the second year in succession the council’s Mallow/ Kanturk municipal district has extended the scheme across its area, with buildings in Kanturk, Millstreet, Newmarket and Buttevant included.

Under the auspices of the scheme owners can get a maximum grant of €475, or 50% of the cost (whichever is the lesser) of remedial works undertaken to the frontage of their buildings.

A council official said the scheme was aimed at preserving the integrity of town centres by improving the appearance of buildings.

“The key purpose of the scheme is that of reserving and enhancing the heritage and streetscape of buildings, in particular older premises of architectural interest,” said the official.

“In previous years this scheme has proven to be very popular and we are hoping people recognise its value in terms of improving the appearance of the built environment.”

Applications, containing a quote for any proposed works with tax clearance and VAT details of a contractor must be lodged with the authority on or before Thursday, June 30.

Each application will be reviewed before it is approved, with the grant being paid out once the works have been completed.

The council pointed out that approval for grant aid will not be granted if monies owed to the council, such as rates, water changes or planning contributions have not been paid in full.

For more information about the scheme and to get an application form contact 022 21123 or email kanturkmallow@ corckcoco.ie.