A Laois town is to receive a facelift this year, with Laois County Council announcing a new Streetscape Enhancement Scheme for Ballinakill.

Ballinakill Community Development Association have worked in conjunction with the Tidy Towns group and Laois County Council as part of a wider enhancement project due to begin in the square later this year.

The project hopes to regenerate the Market Square in the village which includes improved paving, landscaping and outdoor seating along with upgrades to the lighting and disabled parking provision.

Pictured: Ballinakill. Photo: Google Maps

A streetscape painting scheme has been launched, aiming to revitalise the town centre.

As a Town and Village Renewal Scheme, this initiative aims to support property owners, local businesses, and residents to paint and upgrade building façades in the town centre within a designated area.

Laois County Council's Town Regeneration Officer, Ms Denise Rainey said that the project reflects the value of cooperation at community level, thanks to collaborations with the Ballinakill Community Development Association and Tidy Towns.

“Ballinakill is a town with great character, and this scheme gives residents and business owners an opportunity to add to that sense of pride," Ms Rainey said.

"We encourage everyone in the eligible area to get involved and help showcase Ballinakill at its best.”

The scheme is being administered by the Business Support Unit and is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, alongside Laois County Council.

Eligible applicants of the scheme may apply for 75% of painting costs to their building's facades, with a maximum grant of €1,000 available. 

Successful applicants must cover the full cost of the works initially before claiming reimbursement. Applications are invited from property owners and occupiers within the Ballinakill eligibility area as shown on the official scheme map.

Both residential and commercial properties, including unoccupied premises, may apply.

To apply, you must Complete the online form here, provide a recent colour photograph of the property, and submit one contractor quotation for the proposed painting works.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 1 May at 4.00pm. All approved works must be completed by 31 August 2026, with final drawdown claims due by 18 September 2026.

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The 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development, is part of a national investment of over €24 million across 77 rural projects aimed at rejuvenating town centres through improved infrastructure, refurbished facilities, and more vibrant public spaces.