Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 October 2022
104. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will examine the possibility of new CLÁR designations for additional villages in the west of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53602/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR Programme provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures.
A review of CLÁR areas nationally was undertaken in 2021 using the 2016 Census of Population data. The review examined the most recent changes in population patterns throughout the country on the basis of this 2016 data. It also examined the approach to developing the existing CLÁR designations, which is based on 2002 data and it considered how changes in population since then impacted on designations.
The details of the review are currently being examined by my Department.
