The 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31st March 2017 and will provide funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The CLÁR programme is funded under Subhead E5 of my Department’s Vote, which has a total allocation of €15.283 million for a number of rural development programmes this year. Funding for the 2017 CLÁR programme is available this year under four separate Measures:
Measure 1: Support for School and Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Play Areas
Measure 3: Targeted Community Infrastructure
Measure 4: First Responder Supports
Applications under Measures 1, 2 and 3 were submitted through the Local Authorities, while Measure 4 was targeted at voluntary organisations involved in emergency rescue or first-response efforts. The closing date for applications under the 2017 CLÁR programme was 5th May 2017 and over 500 applications were received across the four measures.
Successful projects were announced over the last few weeks, with a total of just under €7 million allocated to approximately 230 projects across the four Measures. Details of the approved projects are available on the Rural Affairs pages of the website www.ahrrga.gov.ie. Payments will, in general, be made to the successful applicants on a phased basis when the projects have commenced and have achieved a satisfactory level of progress.
The CLÁR programme is an important part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development, and makes a huge contribution to supporting the most depopulated areas in rural Ireland. Over 800 projects have now been approved for funding since the scheme was re-launched last year.