Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 November 2023
364. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be provided for a project in Kerry under the Clár scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51796/23]
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 depopulation over a defined period.
CLÁR is designed to support a vast array of projects that will benefit people of all ages and abilities such as astro-turf facilities, playgrounds, sensory gardens, outdoor cinemas, walking tracks and community gyms.
Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures with over €57 million being approved for almost 2,100 projects throughout rural Ireland. In 2022 alone I approved funding of over €12.1 million for over 290 projects across the CLÁR areas.
I launched the 2023 programme in March comprising of three measures. Under Measure 1 grants from €5,000 to €50,000 are being provided to support the development of community and sports facilities, youth clubs, playgrounds, sensory gardens and walking tracks.
I can confirm that 15 applications seeking almost €608,000 have been submitted by Kerry County Council under Measure 1. This includes an application in respect of the project referred to by the Deputy. I expect to make an announcement on the successful projects under Measures 1 in the coming weeks
