Meath County Council’s Shopfront Improvement and Age Friendly Grant supports existing independent businesses to enhance their shopfronts and commercial facades, helping our towns and villages look more welcoming, be more accessible, and vibrant.

Main Points:

• Up to €5,000 (ex VAT) or 50% of eligible cost
• Application timeframe: 4pm Friday 17^th April to Sunday 31^st May 2026
• Work must not begin before approval

• Access the grant and further details: https://submit.link/4QX

The purpose of this scheme is to foster good design practices that respect the streetscape’s character in terms of detailing, materials and finishes to the exterior of premises, sourcing local and regional craftspeople and materials where possible.

Age Friendly Measures

The grant also promotes the use of incorporating age friendly measures into your business. There are almost 1 million older (60+) people living in Ireland. Are you doing everything you can to enable this cohort to fully access your business/service?

Please note: Successful businesses will be eligible for free Business Recognition Training as part of the National Age Friendly Initiative

Access the grant and further details: https://submit.link/4QX

What items are considered eligible for the scheme?

• Painting, woodwork, floral arrangements, signage, lighting, new doors and windows, and works that enhance accessibility.
• Repair & reinstatement of any part of the facade that is visible from the street. Reinstatement and retention of architectural or historical features that have formed part of the building but that may have aged or been damaged over time.
• Repainting of shop fronts in suitable colours will be supported (see Guidelines in next section).
• Age Friendly measures large or small (see document outlining tips to make your building more age friendly and accessible in the next section).
• Installation of suitable exterior lighting
• Removal/replacement of neon/LED signs, banners and other inappropriate signage visible from the street with replacement of more appropriate shop front design.
• Other improvements may be considered following consultation.

• Please review Meath’s County Council’s Shopfront & Design Guidance in the next section before applying: https://www.meath.ie/council/council-services/planning-and-building/development-plans/public-realm-plans/shopfront-and-signage-guidelines

• Please review the Age Friendly tip sheet in the next section before applying. Further resources on Age Friendly Ireland can also be found at: www.agefriendlyireland.ie

Application process for scheme

To apply for the Shopfront Improvement and Age Friendly Grant Scheme all applicants need the following:

X 1 coloured photo of the current exterior and any relevant images to application

Quotations:

o  2 x Contractor quotations and/ or

o  1 x Materials quotation (Note: 3 written quotations for contracts above €5,000 as per National Procurement Guidelines)

Declaration of ownership or written permission from the landlord/owner that the proposed work can be carried out

Tax Clearance Certificate

Proof of Payment of Rates to Meath County Council or a payment plan in place

The Economic Development Department will review your application and will respond with a decision.

· Should your application be successful, we will respond with a signed Letter of Offer for you to countersign.

· At this stage, work can commence.

· Approved payments will be paid to applicant upon completion of works and submission of final receipts.

· Works must be completed and receipts submitted by 30^th October 2026.

Eligibility

 The scheme is open to independently owned existing businesses:

1.     that are on the main thoroughfares of towns and villages in Co Meath; all forms should be completed and signed by the business owner/ director.

2.     that have no commercial rates outstanding to MCC or have a payment plan in place.

Grants will not be offered in respect of the following:

1.     Works already completed before the application was received

2.     Structural repairs including re-roofing

3.     Structural internal repairs and alterations

4.     External security features such as CCTV systems and shutters