Arts and crafts move invigorates Lismore town centre

A pilot scheme aimed at utilising vacant premises to promote local arts and crafts has invigorated a west Waterford town centre.

Under the six-week programme, the Lismore Craft Collective, comprising five local artists, manufactures and retails merchandise in a former book shop.

The collective’s members are: ceramicist Jane Jermyn, leatherworker Len Canton, mosaic and felt-maker Joan Casey, glass/crystal cutter Eugene Young (of Iona Crystal) and goldsmith Moritz Schurmann.

The workers entered into their own rent arrangements with the building’s proprietor, while the local authority provided start-up grant aid. Insurance cover was provided through theDesign and Craft Council of Ireland.

The intimacy of the enterprise is proving a huge hit in the tourist town, it emerged, with customers often seeing their purchases being manufactured on site. “We regularly stay open late to facilitate customers,” says Ms Jermyn.

Crafts vary from as little as a €5 leather work to a €2,000 jewellery piece and all carry the exclusive Lismore ‘leaf motif’ brand.

Senior executive officer for economic development with Waterford County and City Council, Fergal Reidy, says: “Lismore is a test case for similar schemes possibly being rolled out across the county.”

Meanwhile, two further local authority initiatives aim to boost commercial activity in Waterford City.

In one scheme, six art and craft enterprises within the city’s commercial area have 100% of municipal rates offset by grant aid for three years. Under the terms, arts, crafts or artisan foods are either produced and/or sold on location on premises measuring not more than 40 sq metres.

In a second scheme aimed at promoting new clothing, footwear and homeware in the commercial area, the council provides fit-out grant aid and rates relief on a sliding scale from 100% to 25% over three years.

New developments or properties that have been vacant for a minimum of three months qualify for the fit-out grant, while applicants must not have traded in the commercial district over the last two years.

Businesses relocating to similar-sized premises within Waterford city do not qualify. There are two applications being considered. In both matters, the occupiers make their own rental agreements with property owners and sign up to direct debit liability for running costs. The closing date for applications is December 31.