Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2376. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding available for safety measures for schools that are not entitled to apply for CLÁR funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33184/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas which provides funding for small infrastructural projects in designated areas that have experienced significant depopulation in the past. The aim of CLÁR is to support the sustainable development of the designated CLÁR areas with a view to encouraging people to continue to live and work there. The funding works in conjunction with local funding and on the basis of locally identified priorities.
The CLÁR programme has funded a range of measures since it was re-launched in 2016, including supports for safety measures in and around schools and other community facilities.
This measure has helped make many rural schools safer by funding projects such as the installation of footpaths and traffic calming measures close to schools. These simple measures make a huge difference to the quality of life of parents and children in rural communities which might not otherwise be prioritised for funding.
With regard to safety measures for schools which are not in designated CLÁR areas, it is open to the Local Authorities and the schools themselves in conjunction with the National Roads Authority (NRA) and/or the Department of Education and Skills to implement similar measures, subject to any standard considerations that may be required from the point of view of budgets, etc.
I intend carrying out a full review of qualifying CLÁR areas later this year on the basis of the 2016 Census data. The level of depopulation will continue to be a primary factor in the designation of any area as a CLÁR area. This review will involve a detailed examination of all areas of the country, as well as stakeholder consultation. The findings of the review will inform future launches of the CLÁR programme in 2019 and beyond.
