The 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31 March last, with a closing date of 5 May. The programme provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population.
Funding for the 2017 CLÁR programme was available this year under four separate Measures:
Measure 1: Support for School and Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Play Areas
Measure 3: Targeted Community Infrastructure
Measure 4: First Responder Supports.
In total, more than 500 applications were received across the four Measures to the value of €15 million.
Funding to support projects under CLÁR this year was limited and it was not possible to fund all applications. In recent weeks, 230 successful projects were approved for funding, with a total of just under €7 million allocated across the four Measures.
In general, applications were assessed on the basis of their eligibility under the scheme criteria and on the quality of the documentation supporting their proposals, as required in the scheme guidelines. I can confirm that the application in respect of the school referred to by the Deputy was unsuccessful as adequate supporting documentation was not provided.
