Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
778. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his attention has been drawn to the unfair nature of the allocation of funding under CLÁR funding for small-scale rural projects measures 1 and 2; if consideration has been given to allocation on a population basis rather than a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11720/20]
View answerThe CLÁR programme is designed to provide funding for rural areas which have suffered high levels of population decline, to make those areas more sustainable places in which to live. The programme is not based on the overall geographical footprint or the population of the county.
In 2019, the number of projects approved in each county under Measures 1 and 2 was decided by reference to the proportion of the CLÁR area within that county. This approach was taken to ensure that counties with a proportionally larger area designated as eligible under CLÁR received greater assistance.
I launched the 2020 CLÁR programme on 25th May last. The closing date for receipt of applications under all measures is 28th August 2020. 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.
Factors which will be considered in assessing applications include the range, mix, quality and impact of proposed projects, how the project addresses the challenges posed by COVID-19, and other relevant considerations.
The full Scheme Outline for the 2020 CLÁR programme is available on the Gov.ie website at: file:///C:/Users/parnellw/Documents/74703_caf3c918-5f59-4989-b68d-516a851662ed.pdf.
