The CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The 2017 programme was launched on 31 March last, with a closing date of 5 May.
Funding for the 2017 CLÁR programme was 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 applications under Measure 4 were submitted from voluntary organisations involved in community-based response to emergency situations.
In total, more than 500 applications were received across the four Measures to the value of €15 million. I can confirm, however, that an application in respect of the school referred to by the Deputy was not received from the Local Authority by my Department under Measure 1.
In recent weeks, 230 successful projects were approved for funding, with a total of just under €7 million allocated across the four Measures. Over 800 projects have now been approved for funding since the CLÁR programme was re-launched in 2016.
