Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
78. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding CLÁR 2023 applications from County Kerry; the number of applications; the total ask involved; when she hopes to allocate funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28303/23]
View answer84. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she will announce the successful projects for the new round of CLÁR funding. [28217/23]
View answerI want to emphasise how valuable the CLÁR money is and how badly needed it is. I specifically raise the case of Keel GAA and Keel community walking track. It is probably the most dangerous drop-off and collection and parking GAA facility in Ireland, not just in County Kerry. A bad accident occurred there two weeks ago. It has also applied under this year's tranche. It is important that funding is granted to make that facility safe for all users.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 84 together.
The CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. As Minister for Rural and Community Development, it gives me great satisfaction to visit these projects. I get around to a good few of them and see at first hand the excellent work that has taken place over recent years with funding from the programme. CLÁR is designed to support a vast array of projects that will benefit people of all ages and abilities, including the provision of Astroturf pitches, playgrounds, sensory gardens, handball alleys, outdoor, cinemas, walking tracks, community gyms and car parks. Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures, with more than €57 million being approved for almost 2,100 projects.
The Deputy mentioned a specific project. Seven applications from Kerry were submitted directly to my Department under measure 2 of the programme, which relates to mobility, cancer care and
community first responders' transport. A total of 15 applications seeking almost €608,000 were submitted by Kerry County Council under measure 1, which deals with community facilities and amenities. As the Deputy knows, all the applications have to be assessed. The project he referred to is a worthy cause that will address a potential danger. There is funding available. I cannot say the project will be funded but it will be assessed along with the other applications. I hope it will stand up on its own merits and get the support the Deputy is seeking.
I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to put my question and the Minister for her response.
