Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:86. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the CLÁR scheme will open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4011/24]
View answerTuesday, 30 January 2024
Questions (86)
Written answers
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 depopulation over a defined period.
Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures with over €70 million being approved for almost 2,400 projects throughout rural Ireland. This funding is making a real difference in many of our smaller and more remote communities.
The CLÁR 2023 programme was delivered under 3 separate measures. The first measure provided support for developing new community facilities and amenities, and I expanded this last year to include infrastructure facilities at sports clubs. There was a huge response to this addition and I was delighted to announce funding for 113 sports clubs through this new initiative. This was alongside 152 other projects approved for communities under measure 1.
Last year CLÁR also provided specific funding for projects located on our islands and continued to support the purchase of vehicles for the transport of patients to cancer care treatment and for community first responders.
In total, funding of almost €13 million was provided for over 300 projects under CLÁR 2023. It included supports for a vast array of projects that will benefit people of all ages and abilities such as playgrounds, sensory gardens, outdoor cinemas, walking tracks, and community gyms.
Every year I review the focus of the scheme and I will shortly be giving consideration to the measures to be included in the 2024 CLÁR programme in advance of its launch in the coming months.
Question No. 87 answered with Question No. 84.