Niamh Smyth
Ceist:523. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the next round of CLÁR funding will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10497/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 5 March 2019
Ceisteanna (523)
Freagraí scríofa
The CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation. The programme has been very successful since I reintroduced it in 2016, following a number of years when it was closed for new applications. It now forms part of my Department's Project Ireland 2040 Programme for Rural Regeneration.
Although the amounts available to projects under CLÁR are relatively modest, the impact of the funding is very significant. I have visited many of the projects myself and I have seen first-hand the difference they make to local communities.
I launched the 2019 CLÁR programme on 28 February last. The measures being funded under the programme this year are:
Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety measures
Measure 2: Play Areas (including Multi-Use Games Areas)
Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Supports (new in 2019), comprising of:
(a) First Response Support
(b) Mobility and Cancer Care Transport
(c) Sensory Gardens
The “Community Wellbeing Support” measure encompasses the assistance given in previous years for voluntary first-response organisations and for mobility and cancer care supports.
This measure will also, for the first time, provide funding for the development of specialist sensory gardens and complementary play equipment. These gardens are designed to stimulate the senses and can be of particular benefit in enhancing the quality of life for people with a diverse range of life challenges.