The CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different Measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. The Measures to be included in the CLÁR programme are reviewed and revised, as appropriate, each year.
The 2020 CLÁR programme was adapted to help rural communities respond to COVID-19 and did not included specific support for playgrounds.
The CLÁR programme was revised in 2021 and included support for Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities, including playgrounds. A number of playgrounds located on primary school grounds were successful in being approved for funding under the programme this year and were approved on the condition that they must be made available for wider community use outside of school hours.
I will review the Measures to be supported under the 2022 CLÁR programme in advance of the launch of the programme next year.