The CLÁR programme provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population in the past. Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has provided funding of almost €39 million for over 1,600 projects.
I launched the 2021 programme on 15th March and I was pleased to secure a 10% increase in funding bringing the allocation for 2021 to €5.5 million.
The Local Improvement Scheme or LIS is a programme for improvement works on small private or non-public roads in rural areas, which are not under the normal maintenance of the Local Authorities. There was no dedicated funding stream for a number of years until the scheme was re-launched in 2017. Since then, over €58 million has been allocated to deliver the scheme on over 2,300 roads, which have benefited over 10,000 residents and landowners.
I launched the 2021 LIS on Friday 14th May last and I was also pleased to secure a 5% increase in funding for that Scheme, bringing the funding available for this year to €10.5 million. I also indicated at the launch of the Scheme that, subject to budget availability, I am exploring the potential to allocate further funding for the Local Improvement Scheme later this year.