I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 to 254, inclusive, together.
The 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31st March last, with a closing date of 5th May. The programme provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation.
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
Applications under Measures 1, 2 and 3 were submitted through the Local Authorities, while applications under Measure 4 were submitted from voluntary organisations involved in community-based response to emergency situations.
In total, more than 500 applications were received across the four Measures, with a combined value of €15 million.
While an indicative allocation was originally apportioned for each Measure, these allocations were adjusted to take account of the number and quality of applications received under each Measure. The overall amount allocated to projects was also increased from €5 million to €7 million. A total of 230 successful projects were approved for funding in recent weeks across the four Measures. Details of the approved projects are available at http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/rural/rural-development/clar-2016/.
In general, my Department received a larger number of applications from counties with a high number of CLÁR District Electoral Divisions. Applications were assessed on the basis of their eligibility under the scheme criteria and on the quality of the documentation submitted to the Department in support of their proposals, as required in the scheme guidelines.
All applications which met the eligibility criteria and which were supported by adequate documentation as required were approved for funding under each Measure.
Contracts for the approved funding have now issued to all relevant Local Authorities and voluntary first-response organisations as appropriate. There is currently no further funding available for CLÁR in 2017.
