Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
1491. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands when a decision will be made on CLÁR applications for 2020; the number of measures advertised under the programme in 2020; the closing date for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21949/20]
View answerThe CLÁR 2020 programme was launched on 25th. May last.
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
The closing date for receipt of applications was Friday, 28th. August 2020. However, the closing date for receipt of applications under Measure 3(a) has been extended until Friday, 11th. September 2020, to allow for additional applications for funding for Meals on Wheels services that are not directly located in a CLÁR area, but where over 50% of their normal clientele reside within CLÁR areas.
To date, over 300 applications have been received by my Department across all Measures in the programme. My officials are currently assessing all applications received on a Measure-by-Measure basis.
I will announce the successful projects in respect of each Measure when the assessment process is fully complete.
