Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
112. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the types of work eligible for support under the CLÁR Programme in 2023; if upgrades to astro turf pitches and improvements to spectator stands at sports grounds are eligible for funding under this year's programme; the closing date for applications in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19133/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation over a defined period.
Since the CLÁR Programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures. Funding of over €57 million has been approved for almost 2,100 projects since its relaunch.
I launched CLÁR 2023 on 29 March 2023 and the measures to be funded are:
• Developing Community Facilities and Amenities (Measure 1)
• Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport (Measure 2)
• ‘Our Islands’ (Measure 3)
Measure 1 of the CLÁR Programme includes funding for upgrades to astro-turf pitches and improvements to spectator stands at local sports grounds.
The Measure is being administered at a local level by the local authorities. Up to 15 project applications may be selected by the local authority for consideration by my Department. All local authorities, including Mayo County Council, are due to submit their applications to my Department by 6th June 2023.
