Mountmellick set for facelift with new streetscape scheme
Mountmellick Town Team chair Fran Baker, Ivor Cox (Town Team member), Catherine Guidera (LCC Regeneration Section), Maura Reddin (Town Team member), Seán Fleming TD, Cllr Paddy Buggy (Town Team member), Maeve Keenan (Town Team member) and Denise Rainey, Town Regeneration Officer at the launch of the streetscape enhancement scheme
MOUNTMELLICK looks set to enjoy a facelift, with the launch of a new streetscape enhancement scheme.
The project aims to revitalise the town centre by supporting homeowners, businesses and property occupiers to paint and improve building façades within a designated area.
With grants of up to €1,000, the scheme will support external painting to buildings on designated streets, resulting in a more attractive and welcoming streetscape.
The initiative was launched in O’Connell Square on 16 February by Laois Co Council’s Regeneration Section, in partnership with the council’s Business Support Unit and Mountmellick Town Team.
The scheme is part of a grant received under the Town and Village renewal scheme and will include other works, such as resurfacing of the Mountmellick Development Association (MDA) cark park in Irishtown and landscape enhancements to the roundabout on the approach to Mountmellick.
Town Team chairperson Fran Baker said at the launch: “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.”
Town Regeneration Officer Denise Rainey said the scheme forms part of “a multi-pronged approach” to regenerate the town centre, as she commented: “This is a positive step for Mountmellick, helping residents and businesses to work together in strengthening the appearance of the town centre.”
The scheme covers up to 75 per cent of painting costs, to a maximum grant of €1,000. Eligible applicants must cover all initial project costs before claiming reimbursement.
Applications are invited from property owners and occupiers in the designated zone. Properties may be residential, commercial or unoccupied.
Applicants must complete the online application form at https://submit.link/4EDr and provide a recent colour photograph of the property, together with one contractor quotation for the proposed painting works.
The closing date for applications is 4pm on Friday, 1 May and approved works must be completed by 31 August 2026. Drawdown claims must be submitted by 18 September 2026.
The scheme is administered by the council’s Business Support Unit and is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, together with Laois Co Council.
