Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1953. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a group that received CLÁR funding in the past can apply to the scheme a second time; the insurance implications of playground facilities that are funded through CLÁR which are situated on school grounds and that must remain open to the public; and if schools are liable for issues related to insurance outside of school hours. [19969/22]
View answerThe CLÁR programme provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. The 2022 CLÁR programme was launched on 24th February with an increased budget of €7 million. The measures being funded this year are
- Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities;
- Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport and
- Measure 3: Our Islands.
A group that received CLÁR funding in the past is not prohibited from reapplying under a subsequent round of CLÁR funding, although previous funding may be a consideration when selecting the successful project applications.
Under the 'Developing Community Facilities and Amenities' measure (measure 1), applications must be made through local authorities in the first instance. The relevant local authority must ensure that successful applicants make facilities accessible to the public and have clear arrangements in place to ensure the facility is adequately insured and managed properly. Furthermore, facilities on school grounds must be open to the public outside school hours.
I understand from the Department of Education and Skills that schools are required to have public liability and employer liability insurance in place in respect of their school, including outdoor areas of the school. The terms of such policies would be a matter between the school and its insurer.
The Department of Education's Guidelines on the Use of School Buildings Outside of School Hours provide information which schools should take into consideration where a third party is seeking to use school property or facilities. In such circumstances it is a matter for the owner of the school to decide whether a proposed use can be considered. Where a school does decide to make its property or facilities available, it should ensure that a legal agreement is put in place and that the third party user has appropriate insurance cover in place.
