Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 May 2018
34. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of the CLÁR Programme 2018; the way in which it will benefit rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19013/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCLÁR is a targeted capital investment programme for rural areas which have experienced significant levels of depopulation. The programme was originally launched in October 2001 but was closed for applications in 2010. I re-opened the programme in 2016 and, since then, 900 projects have been approved for funding under CLÁR.
I launched the 2018 CLÁR programme on 15th March, with an indicative allocation of €5 million for qualifying projects under the following measures:
Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Play Areas/ MUGAs
Measure 3: First Response Support Measure
The closing date for receipt of applications was 30th April. My officials will now assess all applications received against the criteria for the programme, and I hope to be in a position to announce the successful 2018 CLÁR projects in the coming weeks.
The CLÁR programme is an important part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development. It makes a significant contribution to the rural communities it serves. A modest investment under the CLÁR programme, such as for the provision of a play area, can have a significant impact on a community, for example by providing a central location for children to play and for their parents to meet.
The CLÁR programme is also helping to make rural schools safer for our children by funding footpaths and traffic calming measures in their vicinity. These simple measures make a huge difference to the quality of life of parents and children in rural communities.
I was delighted to announce again, this year, that the CLÁR programme will support our voluntary first-response organisations who provide an excellent and vital service in many rural areas, often under very difficult circumstances.
A total of €20 million has now been invested in CLÁR areas since I re-launched the scheme in 2016.
