Today 1^st March 2019, six enterprises were celebrated for their pride in Carlow Town’s streets by receiving the inaugural “Pride of Carlow Premises Awards” presented in the Waterfront Building by Carlow Town Development Forum.

The awards which were judged by JP Kennedy, Managing Director, TileStyle Limited, Dublin 24 and Chairman of Retail Excellence Ireland, and Carol Smyth, Executive Planner, Dublin City Council Planning Department were designed by the Carlow Town Development Forum as part of its schedule of projects for 2019 which aim to increase pride in Carlow as a place to live, work, play, learn and visit.

The awards were presented to O’Brien’s from Potato Market, Macs Menswear from Lower Tullow Street / Castle Street, Red Setter Guesthouse from Dublin Street, Moda from Kennedy Avenue, Neighbourhood Espresso from Barrack Street and Teach Dolmen from Tullow Street Upper.

Speaking at the presentation of awards Gerry Dunne from Carlow Tutorial College and a member of Carlow Town Development Forum, said “we are delighted to support and design a process to celebrate the efforts of business owners like us across the Town who make significant effort in the appearance of their premises.” Gerry continued to say, “we look forward to the next phase of this project in the roll out of a Shop Front Upgrade Scheme which gives 6 premises’ owners an opportunity to upgrade their premises with significant support from Carlow County Council.” Gerry concluded by saying, “I encourage people to apply for the new upgrade scheme and work with us on building Carlow as a great experience for all.”

Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council and Chairperson of the Forum said, “I want to congratulate each winner in the awards for their ongoing effort in enhancing the streetscape in our County Town by taking significant pride in their premises.  Holohan continued to say, “I wish to thank our independent judges and acknowledge the 23 premises that were selected by the judges as excellent examples of shop design and display.” Speaking about the new Shop Front Upgrade Scheme, Holohan said “Carlow County Council are delighted to work with the business community to put this support in place and we hope that people will engage with us during March to complete the application process.” Holohan concluded by saying, “as a Council we are committed to Carlow Town Development Forum and also the Regeneration of Carlow Town.”

Speaking about the new Shop Front Upgrade Scheme, Pierce Kavanagh, Economic Development Officer in Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, said, “the scheme has been designed to offer €2,500 to 6 selected enterprises to upgrade their shop fronts to a traditional shop front.” Pierce continued to say, “application forms are available via www.localenterprise.ie/carlow or  could be downloaded here Carlow Town Shop Front Scheme Application Form.docx (size 100.2 KB) or by calling 059 9129 786, closing date for applications is 31st March 2019 with the grant awardees being announced on May 1st 2019.”

CARLOW TOWN DEVELOPMENT FORUM

The Carlow Town Development Forum was established to oversee and direct the implementation of a Town Centre Action Plan. This plan sets out a strategy that when implemented will positively impact the growth and prosperity of the town centre through increased visitation, business, revenues and jobs.

The Vision of the Carlow Town Development Forum is to improve the prosperity of the Town Centre and enhance the well-being of the community, creating a viable and sustainable Town Centre economy.

The Forum will help revitalise the Town Centre by supporting the development of a broad mix of retail, community and leisure uses that create a distinct Town Centre, appealing to residents and visitors alike.

The Carlow Town Development Forum provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards a shared vision that will enhance the quality of the town environment, strengthen the town centre offering and generate a thriving town centre to maximise visitor footfall, increase spending and ultimately offer customer choice and satisfaction.

Carlow Town Development Forum aims to provide a healthier and more pleasant environment for all people who live in, work in, and visit Carlow Town. The emphasis will be on improving the economic, social, environmental, and community aspects of Carlow Town and enhancing the living, working and recreational environments of the town.

ENDS

For further information contact Pierce Kavanagh  on 059-9129786 / 087 344 9432 pkavanagh@carlowcoco.ie or Kieran Comerford on 0868252037 kcomerford@carlowcoco.ie

Captions:

Image 1: Awards Presentation in Waterfront Building

Image 2: JP Kennedy, Managing Director, TileStyle Limited, Dublin 24 and Chairman of Retail Excellence Ireland speaking at awards ceremony

Image 3: Gerry Dunne from Carlow Tutorial College and a member of Carlow Town Development Forum speaking at awards ceremony

Image 4: Deputy Pat Deering T.D.; Declan McDonald from Macs Menswear; Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive Carlow County Council; Niall Dooley from O’Brien’s Off-Licence; Senator Jennifer Murnane-O’Connor; Kate McNamara from Moda; JP Kennedy, Chairman Retail Excellence; Cllr. Ken Murnane, Mayor of Carlow Municipal District