Cork County Council Launches 2026 Streetscape Enhancement Scheme for County Cork Towns and Villages 

Cork County Council has announced the opening of its Streetscape Enhancement Scheme 2026 to support business and property owners throughout County Cork in improving the appearance of town centre properties. 

The scheme aims to enhance the aesthetic of main streets in towns and villages in County Cork through supporting streetscape enhancement works. Applications will be assessed on an individual basis, with primary consideration given to proposals that deliver a strong positive visual impact on the streetscape and support traditional shopfrontsA total of 111 properties were supported under the 2025 scheme across 29 villages and towns, with a particular focus on high visibility locations in settlement centres. A similar level of engagement from property owners is anticipated in 2026 through the Council’s online application process. 

The scheme includes four different support measures, ranging from 60% grant aid for works to 100% funding for materials. Eligible works include the painting of premises, improvements to shopfront signage and traditional shopfronts, as well as associated materials costs.

Cork County Council is further supporting successful applicants by offering guidance on colour palette and design, on conservation principles for traditional shop fronts, and on the use of the Irish language in signage. 

Welcoming the allocation of funding for 2026, the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, said, “This Cork County Council scheme directly supports property owners who are maintaining and improving properties in our towns, which helps to support local vibrancy. It also aids in presenting town and village centres as attractive and inviting places for people to visit. I encourage property owners to participate in this scheme and look forward to seeing the completed works in towns and villages across the county.”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, added, “I am heartened by the level of engagement with the Streetscape Enhancement Scheme in 2025. I have no doubt that the 2026 Scheme will prove to be another successful collaboration between our elected members, local communities and businesses to improve the appearance of our town and village centres. This initiative is one of a range of town and village renewal measures that Cork County Council is progressing to complement the significant county-wide investment in Council-led regeneration projects. This includes greenways, libraries, housing, public realm and sustainable travel.”