Laois town centre residents and businesses to get up to €1,000 to help spruce up buildings

Mountmellick residents and businesses are set to get financial help to give their properties a facelift with €1,000 per business and home offered towards the cost of redecoration.

The Regeneration Section and the Business Support unit at Laois County Council have partnered with the Mountmellick Town Team in launching the Mountmellick Streetscape Enhancement Scheme.

Gathering on Monday, February 16, in O’Connell Square, council staff and town team members, joined by Sean Fleming TD, announced the project that aims to revitalise the town centre of Mountmellick by supporting homeowners, businesses, and property occupiers to paint and improve building façades within the designated area.

In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live the organisers said the scheme will support external painting to buildings on designated streets with the aim of creating a more attractive and welcoming streetscape.

This scheme is part of a grant which Mountmellick has received under the Town and Village renewal scheme and will include other works such as re-surfacing of the Mountmellick Development Association cark park and landscape enhancements to the roundabout on the approach into Mountmellick.

Town Regeneration Officer Denise Rainey highlighted the importance of the scheme for the town.

“This is a positive step for Mountmellick, helping residents and businesses to work together in strengthening the appearance of the town centre. The Streetscape Enhancement Scheme forms part of a multi-pronged approach to regenerate Mountmellick,” she said.

Chair of the Mountmellick Town Team, Fran Baker, also welcomed the scheme.

“Mountmellick has a proud identity, and this scheme gives people a chance to play a part in shaping how our town looks and feels. A fresh coat of paint may seem simple, but it can make a huge difference. We’d really encourage property owners to get involved and help us put the best face on our town,” he said.

Eligibility and How to Apply BELOW PHOTO

Pictured: Fran Baker, Chair of Mountmellick Town Team, Cllr Paddy Buggy, Town Team Member, Ivor Cox, Town Team Member, Maeve Keenan, Town Team member, Catherine Guidera, Laois County Council Regeneration Section, Denise Rainey, Town Regeneration Officer, Laois County Council.

Eligible applicants may apply for up to 75% of painting costs, to a maximum grant of €1,000. Grantees must cover all initial project costs before claiming reimbursement.

Applications are invited from property owners and occupiers located within the designated Mountmellick eligible zone. Properties may be residential, commercial, or unoccupied.

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To apply, applicants must complete the online application form at https://submit.link/4EDr. Provide a recent colour photograph of the property. Submit one contractor quotation for the proposed painting works.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 1 May at 4 pm. All approved works must be completed by 31 August 2026. Drawdown claims must be submitted by 18 September 2026.

This project is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, together with Laois County Council. The scheme is administered by the Business Support Unit at Laois County Council.