Awards aims to recognize pride in Carlow Town’s Business Premises

Today 18th February 2019, Carlow Town Development Forum has announced its first project which is a “Pride of Carlow Town Premises Awards” which aims to recognize local property owners who maintain a high level of visual appearance to their premises.

 The “Pride of Carlow Premises Awards” will become bi-annual awards which will acknowledge excellence in shopfront premises presentation. The inaugural competition will be adjudicated by two independent judges: JP Kennedy, Managing Director, TileStyle Limited, Dublin 24 and Chairman of Retail Excellence Ireland, and Carol Smyth, Executive Planner, Dublin City Council Planning Department. Judging will take place on Tuesday 26th February where the judges will pick 6 winners.

Speaking about the programme Gerry Dunne from Carlow Tutorial College and a member of Carlow Town Development Forum, said “we are delighted to be able to present this in the first of a series of projects during 2019.” Gerry continued to say, “we want to instil an increased sense of pride in Carlow Town and encourage business owners and locals to view the Town as a place worth promoting and visiting.”

 

Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council and Chairperson of the Forum said, “I am personally delighted to see this first project by Carlow Town Development Forum and we look forward to supporting the Forum and its sub groups in the delivery of a variety of actions during 2019.” Holohan continued to say, “I believe the Forum, whose members represent hundreds of years of business, community and public sector experience, can play a significant role in unique projects, ultimately aimed at making Carlow Town a more enhanced experience for the community whether you are here to live , learn, work, play, or visit.”

 

Winning premises will be awarded at a ceremony which will be held on Friday 1st March 2019. At this ceremony, Carlow Town Development Forum will launch its second project which is a “Shop Front Upgrade Scheme” which will be available on the core 6 traditional streets of Carlow Town. Eligible streets for the project include Tullow Street Upper, Tullow Street Lower/Castle Street, Kennedy Avenue, Dublin Street, Potato Market, and Barrack Street.

Speaking about the programmes, Pierce Kavanagh, Economic Development Officer in Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, said, “since my appointment it has been a privilege to work with the Carlow Town Development Forum and its sub groups who are giving so much of their voluntary time to make Carlow Town a better place to live, work, learn and play.” The Economic Development Officer continued to say, “I would encourage any parties interested in the Town Centre and its development to reach out to us, so we can keep you informed of the activities in Carlow Town Centre.”

 

 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 pkavanagh@carlowcoco.ieor Kieran Comerford on 086-8252037 kcomerford@carlowcoco.ie

 Carlow Town Development Logo