They’re serving canopies in Slane!

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The smart looking new awnings in Slane village.

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Cllr Wayne Harding, David Campbell, Mutton Head Butchers; Jillian Gott, Shine; Pat Doyle Pats Art Studio and Denise Tighe, Market Fresh under the new colourful canopies.

Published: Tue 4 Jan 2022, 6:49 PM

Last updated: Wed 5 Jan 2022, 10:59 AM

A NUMBER of Slane businesses got a major boost this Christmas from their new look premises thanks to Meath County Council's Streetscape Enhancement Initiative.

“The Streetscape Enhancement Scheme has had a very beneficial effect on a number of businesses in the village," according to Cllr Wayne Harding.

“Businesses have had a very difficult two years and as we start 2022, this a positive story. For business in Slane.”

Earlier last year, the Department of Rural and Community Development announced the 124 towns and villages that would benefit from a new €7 million fund to support the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts.

Under the scheme, businesses, community groups and property owners in Ashbourne, Athboy, Oldcastle, Laytown, Bettystown and Slane could apply to Meath County Council for funding to improve the facades of buildings, carry out artwork and install features such as canopies and street furniture.

“Four businesses in Newgrange Mall in Slane have installed awnings, have new shops fronts, lighting and street furniture. It's public money well spent and has had a real eye caching effect on the streetscape," said Cllr Harding.

Pat Doyle from Pat's Art studio said he is absolutely delighted with the improvement to the streetscape at Newgrange Mall, which is now considered to be Slane's arts quarter.

“It is already having an impact in attracting passers-by,” he said.

David from Muttonhead Butchers said he is delighted with the new improvements and hoped that the street enhancement would show his businesses appreciation for the work of Slane Tidy Town.

Jillian Goth of Shine gift shop said. "The funding from the Streetscape Initiative has enabled us to transform our street presence.

“We were able to have the works carried out in time for Christmas trade and we saw an increase in footfall and passing trade.

“More importantly it has given a much needed lift to the village. The splash of vibrant colour from the awnings, planting and signage, illuminated by the lightning, brightens even the darkest of winter days,” she says.

Cllr Harding pointed out that funding from the Laytown/ Bettystown Municipal District was used in conjunction with Slane Tidy Towns to increase the Christmas lighting at the Newgrange Mall.

“The place looks really festive. This coupled with a number of vacant premises reopening with new businesses makes for a much brighter 2022 in Slane Village,” he said.