Roscommon-Galway Fine Gael Senator, Aisling Dolan, has welcomed the allocation of funding towards the enhancement of business shopfronts in Ballinasloe, the relevant finance being afforded to the project by the local authority.
“I am delighted to hear that such funding will be made available for businesses from our local authority in Ballinasloe. I promoted this programme to many businesses in our town centre and pro-actively engaged with shop owners to submit applications.
“This fund is part of the multi-million euro street enhancement scheme and will come under capital costs. This is due to the impact upon many shopfronts of the construction work which took place over the last number of years. We have fantastic new streets and now is the time to make them shine.
“I spoke with Chief Executive, Keven Kelly, who confirmed that notification will issue to businesses in the next number of weeks. This finance includes match funding from businesses and it will cover the painting, renovation and development of shopfronts.
“The Restart Grants and waiver on commercial rates from the local authorities, combined with the extension of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP ), Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS ) and the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS ) are key government supports.
“A recently announced fund, the Small Business Assistant Scheme for Covid (SBASC ), offers €4,000 from April 2021 to June 2021 for those businesses which are not eligible for the CRSS programme.
“Please do apply if your businesses is in receipt of a rates bill from their local authority with a turnover in excess of €50,000 and less than 250 employees. It will help smaller businesses in particular to cover these costs – rent, insurance, utilities, security.
“This is a particularly difficult time with closures of businesses. However, we are coming through the toughest time and with the roll-out of the vaccine we will see our country open up in a safe way.
“For local businesses who receive successful notifications under the Streetscape programme, I understand this requires match funding, but I would encourage take up of this once-off offer from our local authority. It will give such a boost to our shops and wider community and will encourage individuals to spend time in our town and enjoy all that Ballinasloe has to offer.
“Recent investment with LEADER funding and Towns and Villages with BACD and our Town Team realised the fantastic display of Christmas lights in Ballinasloe. It reawakened a real sense of pride and joy in our town, now we have a chance to plan for the future with this facelift – there will be no stopping us now,” Senator Dolan enthused.
