Press release
Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces over €11.4 million for 264 projects under 2024 CLÁR Programme
From Department of Rural and Community Development
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- Investment in Sports Clubs and Schools right across the country
- Funding for our Playgrounds, Astro-Turf Pitches, Running Tracks and Spectator Stands
- Community Centres and Local Halls to be given a new lease of life
- Development of Green Spaces, Sensory Gardens and Biodiversity Areas
- Minister Humphreys: “This funding will improve the lives of families living in Rural Ireland”
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (7th October 2024) announced over €11.4 million to deliver 264 projects under the 2024 CLÁR Programme.
The investment will support the development of sports and outdoor facilities such as playgrounds, astro-turf pitches, running tracks and spectator stands.
Community Centres and Local Halls will also be upgraded and given a new lease life as part of the initiative.
There is a big focus too on supporting Schools by investing in play areas for our children.
There is also significant funding to develop our green spaces, sensory gardens and biodiversity areas, with funding also going to a number of our Tidy Towns groups.
The investment of over €11.4 million being announced by Minister Humphreys today represents one of the largest allocations under the CLÁR Programme to date.
Among the projects being funded include:
- Co. Laois: Ballyfin National School – Upgrade to the outdoor play area, multi-purpose outdoor playing surface, biodiversity garden & sensory trail: €50,000.
- Co. Carlow: Scoil Moling Glynn - New Astroturf Pitch for the School Community: €45,000.
- Co. Galway: Killererin Community Council - Community Centre enhancement works: €49,456
- Co. Offaly: ‘Fivealley Pride of Place and Future Proofing initiative’ - Rest area, meeting point, cycle stop, patio with biodiversity planting: €45,000
- Co. Cork: Castlehaven GAA – Resurfacing of the the running and walking track: €50,000
- Co. Kerry: Milltown GAA – Upgrade and safety works to car park to include sensory and biodiversity garden: €50,000
- Co. Cavan: St Patrick’s GAA, Arva - Provide a fully inclusive and wheelchair accessible spectator stand with a sheltered space: €50,000
- Co. Leitrim: Drumsna Tidy Towns - Upgrade of existing tennis facilities: €45,405
- Co. Louth: St Olivers’ National School, Carlingford – Creation of a soft play area in the school yard: €37,800
- Co Clare: Moy GAA – Develop a community walking track: €50,000
- Co. Mayo: Charlestown Swimming Pool - Upgrade entrance to Charlestown swimming pool and walkway as well as fencing along the river: €45,000
- Co. Sligo: St Brigid’s Hall Tubbercurry - Upgrade of existing handball alley and squash court; conversion to gym & boxing club: €24,150
- Co. Westmeath: Horseleap Streamstown Community Association - Renovation and improvement works to the Community Centre: €50,000
Announcing the successful projects today, Minister Humphreys said:
“I am very pleased to announce over €11.4 million for 264 projects under my Department’s CLÁR Programme. The projects we are funding today are based on a bottom-up approach; Ideas and proposals that have come directly from communities on the ground. From playgrounds and sports facilities to sensory gardens and community halls - these projects will make a really positive difference in towns and villages throughout Rural Ireland.
“That is what we are about in the Department of Rural and Community Development – supporting our local and community groups in delivering the ambition and vision that they have for their areas.”
Minister Humphreys added:
“Under ‘Our Rural Future’, we have put unprecedented investment into our towns and villages.
That’s because we are passionate about ensuring our rural communities can realise their potential. Investment is one thing; But you also need the buy-in from communities on the ground. This announcement today under CLÁR has only been possible because of the work and efforts of our local groups and volunteers. You are the people who have spearheaded these projects from Day One; Projects that will leave a lasting difference on your communities for years to come.”
Today’s announcement builds on the €2.1 million announced in September to support community groups through the provision of Mobility, Cancer Care, Meals on Wheels and Community First Responders Transport.
This brings the total investment to over €13.5 million in support of over 310 projects in CLÁR areas nationwide so far this year under the 2024 programme.
Successful projects under Measure 3 of the programme which supports our island communities will be announced in the coming weeks.
Minister Humphreys concluded:
“I have no doubt that the funding I am announcing today will further support the invaluable work of community groups across the country and will continue to enhance life in Rural Ireland. I very much look forward to hearing about and indeed visiting some of these projects in the years ahead and indeed meeting the people who have made these projects a reality.”**
Since the CLÁR programme was reintroduced in 2016, funding of over €72 million has been approved for almost 2,450 projects.
The full list of successful projects announced today under Measure 1 - Community can be found in the document below:
CLÁR 2024 Measure 1 Community Projects - Announced October 2024
Details of funding for projects that develop community facilities and amenities. Published October 2024.
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Details of all funding approvals under CLÁR 2023 are available here on gov.ie: CLÁR 2023 Funding Approvals
CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais)
The CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and forms part of the Government’s ambitious five-year policy for rural Ireland, Our Rural Future.
CLÁR is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. There are designated CLÁR areas in all counties with the exception of Dublin, Kildare and Wexford. Details of the designated areas can be found here .
CLÁR funding works in conjunction with local funding and on the basis of locally identified priorities. CLÁR 2024 was launched on the 12th April 2024 and included the following measures:
- Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities and Amenities
- Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care, Meals on Wheels and Community First Responders Transport
- Measure 3: Our Islands
Our Rural Future
Our Rural Future is the whole-of-government policy for rural Ireland for the period 2021-2025. It offers a blueprint for a thriving and inclusive rural Ireland and adopts a more strategic, ambitious and holistic approach to investing in and maximising opportunities for rural areas. CLÁR is one of a suite of schemes which support the delivery of Our Rural Future.