Niamh Smyth
Question:1042. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the CLÁR scheme for 2020; when applications will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8332/20]
View answerWednesday, 3 June 2020
Questions (1042)
Written answers
I launched the 2020 CLÁR programme on 26th May.
The programme provides funding for small scale infrastructure projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. This year, the supports provided through CLÁR have been tailored to help rural communities respond to the new COVID-19 environment, including through the addition of new funding measures.
The measures being funded under the 2020 programme are:
Measure 1: Schools/Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Community Recreation Areas (new in 2020)
Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Supports, comprising:
(a) Meals on Wheels and Linked Services (new in 2020)
(b) Mobility and Cancer Care Transport.
In addition to funding school and community safety areas, funding will be provided under a new Measure in 2020 for Community Recreational Areas where friends and families can socialise outdoors in safe, accessible, community spaces. This Measure will include support for items such as picnic benches/tables, outdoor covered seating or BBQ areas, public lighting, bicycle stands, and bandstand/stage areas. These areas will be particularly important for community social interaction in the coming months in the context of social distancing measures, but they will also be a lasting asset in CLÁR communities.
The Community Wellbeing Support Measure will offer funding for Community organisations providing Meals on Wheels and other community services, for the purchase of kitchen or food delivery equipment. Such organisations may also access funds for vehicle adaptations that may be necessary as a result of new public health advice. This Measure will also continue to provide supports for mobility and cancer care transport.
A standard funding rate of up to 90% of the projects costs will be available from my Department across all Measures in 2020. This should ensure that the burden on communities and Local Authorities to source matching funding is kept to a minimum.
The closing date for receipt of applications under all CLÁR 2020 Measures is 28 August 2020.