Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022
359. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she proposes to assist communities under the CLÁR programme in 2022 given that many areas eligible for such assistance may have suffered in lockdown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9005/22]
View answerThe 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, if appropriate, each year.
Over 160 projects were approved funding under the programme in 2021 to assist rural communities as referenced by the Deputy. This included a measure providing funding for Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities which are assisting communities respond to COVID challenges.
The funding allocation for the 2022 CLÁR programme was increased to €7 million under Budget 2022. This is an increase of €1.5 million from the budgetary provision in 2021. The measures to be funded under CLÁR 2022 are currently being reviewed in advance of the launch of this year's programme. I expect to announce the details of the 2022 programme shortly.
