Tullow businesses set for makeover

BUSINESSES in Tullow could be in for a makeover as the town has been proposed as one of the 26 designated ‘Town Centre First’ plans, under the Vacant to Vibrant Retail Activation Programme aimed at supporting businesses opening in town centres right across the country.

Local authorities, regeneration officers and enterprise offices will be asked to work closely together to match specific community needs with vacant premises as part of the initiative.

The proposal by minister of state for retail Alan Dillon aims to boost main street footfall and create sustainable jobs by offering prospective business owners tailored supports, including practical business advice, financial mentoring and marketing assistance.

The proposal would begin with the 26 Town Centre First towns, using the structures and local expertise already in place.

Each participating town could identify its priority vacant properties and the businesses or services most needed locally, creating a focused plan instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

The proposal will explore how existing local measures, such as shopfront improvement schemes and targeted rates incentives, could better support activation while avoiding unnecessary duplication. The initiative will deliver fewer empty buildings, more sustainable businesses, stronger local employment and greater activity on our main streets.

Minister of state at the department of health Jennifer Murnane O’Connor has welcomed proposals for the new retail activation programme.

“I would like to welcome this proposal and I’m delighted to see Tullow listed as one of the 26 towns across the country selected,” said deputy Murnane O’Connor.

“I will be supporting this proposal because we really need to see practical action on the ground in our towns. Turning vacant properties into places where businesses can flourish with the right supports not only supports local enterprise but restores activity and footfall in our town centres,” she added.