Cork Chamber Pre-Budget Submission 2014
Following the announcement by Government that the next Budget will be announced in October, the Chamber is preparing its pre-budget submission which will set out the priorities of Cork’s business community to Government in advance of Budget 2014.
The Chamber’s pre-budget submission last year set out a number of key proposals in relation to taxation, infrastructure, employment, economic development and public sector reform.
If you have any suggested inputs for this year’s submission please contact Siobhan Bradley, Acting Policy & Research Manager (siobhan.bradley@corkchamber.ie) by 5pm Friday 24th May 2013.
Cork City Council Painting Grant Scheme 2013
Cork City Council has announced details of its Painting Grant Scheme 2013. The grant scheme is focused on Cork’s historic City Centre, and includes Gerald Griffin Street, Shandon Street, North Main Street, South Main Street and Barrack Street.
The scheme assists building owners and occupiers to invest in the visual appearance and maintenance of their historic buildings, and also helps improve the character, appearance and overall attractiveness of these historic and valued areas of Cork City.
Grants are available up to a maximum of 50% of the total cost of the external painting works up to a maximum of €600. However, should an owner wish to carry out the painting themselves, Cork City Council will meet 100% of the cost of materials up to a maximum of €300.
The closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday, 31st of May, 2013. Those offered a grant in principle will need to complete the works and submit a claim for payment towards the cost of the works by Friday 13th of September 2013. Further information about the scheme can be found on the City Council website or by contacting the Planning Policy Section at planningpolicy@corkcity.ie or 021-492-4086.
Cork City Council Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) Grant Scheme 2013
Cork City Council has also announced details of the Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) Grant Scheme 2013, which focuses on Cork’s Historic Centre (Historic north-south spine), extending from Barrack Street to Blackpool Church.
The scheme is complementary to the Painting Grant Scheme 2013 and incentivises good custodianship and repair of historic buildings, as well as improving the appearance of the area. Typical works might include repairs to windows, doors / surrounds, roof / chimneys, or architectural detailing.
In previous years, the ACA Grant Scheme has benefitted Blackpool (2011) and the Shandon area (2012). This year the scheme area has been significantly enlarged to provide an incentive for people to invest in buildings along the whole of Cork’s historic spine. The scheme area contains many buildings suffering from a lack of investment, vacancy and dereliction, which the City Council is targeting over the next few years as part of its focus on improving the City Centre. The grant scheme will also help raise awareness of good conservation practice and Cork’s 32 architectural conservation areas (ACAs).
The level of funding available is up to 50% of the total cost of eligible works, and up to a maximum value of €10,000 per building. Details of the scheme and application forms are available from the Cork City Council website.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 31st May 2013 and successful candidates will have until Friday 8 November 2013 to submit a payment claim to the Council under the Scheme. The fund is limited and grant allocations are made on a competitive basis.
