Galway City Council Launches €200,000 Shopfront Enhancement Scheme 2025
Applications Now Open to Independent Retail and Hospitality Businesses
Galway City Council is delighted to announce the launch of the Shopfront Enhancement Scheme 2025, a €200,000 initiative aimed at revitalising the city’s commercial streetscapes. The scheme supports high-quality, culturally sensitive, and visually cohesive improvements to shopfronts, enhancing Galway’s unique character and boosting the local economy. The scheme offers financial assistance to independent retail and hospitality businesses to enhance the appearance, accessibility, and heritage value of their shopfronts. Eligible businesses are invited to apply by Friday 11 July 2025.
Eligible applicants include:
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Independent retail and hospitality businesses with street-facing premises located within the boundaries of the three Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA) - City Core ACA, Lower Dominick Street ACA and Eyre Square ACA
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Owners or leaseholders (with landlord consent)
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Businesses compliant with commercial rates and planning regulations
This year’s scheme supports a wide range of improvements, from traditional restoration and bi-lingual signage to accessibility upgrades and artistic collaborations with local creatives.
Grants of up to €20,000 are available, covering up to 50% to 75% of eligible costs depending on the works. Supported works include:
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Shopfront repairs, painting, and bi-lingual signage
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Accessibility improvements and decluttering
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Enhancements or repairs to Protected Structures and buildings within the three ACAs (City Core ACA, Lower Dominick Street ACA and Eyre Square ACA)
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Collaborations with local artists and the use of traditional building skills
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Peter Keane commented, “I’m delighted to see the commencement of the Shopfront Enhancement Scheme 2025. This scheme makes it more affordable for businesses in historic parts of the city centre to improve their shop fronts in a sensitive and appropriate manner - contributing to the appeal and atmosphere of the area, and supporting increased footfall and economic vitality. The scheme will also support local artists and craftspeople creating and maintaining the facades, as well as creating a more accessible public realm and high-profile spaces for Gaeilge in our bilingual city.”
Joint applications from neighbouring businesses are encouraged and may receive enhanced support.
Applications must be submitted online via the Galway City Council Portal
The deadline for applications is Friday 11 July 2025.
For full guidelines and application details, visit www.GalwayCity.ie or contact the Economic Development Unit: EconomicDevelopment@GalwayCity.ie or 091 536 400.
This initiative is supported through Commercial Rates and Local Property Tax.
Applicant Guidelines: Shopfront Enhancement Scheme 2025 - Guidelines for Applicants .pdf
Design Guidelines: Design Guidelines for the 2025 Galway City Shopfront Enhancement Scheme
Application Form: Shopfront Enhancement Scheme 2025 - Application Form