CLAR funding for north Louth

LOCAL groups in North Louth are being encouraged to apply for the Government’s 2020 CLÁR Programmme, which has a total fund of € 5 million and is designed to help rural communities respond to the challenge of COVID-19.

‘The CLÁR Programme can be used for small scale infrastructural projects in rural communities where there has been significant levels of population decline. This year it has been tailored to help such communities to respond The CLÁR Programme has been a significant support to communities in some of the remotest parts of Louth since it reopened in 2016.

The Schools and Community Safety Measure, which funds items such as pedestrian crossings and footpaths to provide safe access to schools, has been broadened to allow additional investments to adapt areas around schools and community facilities to help meet new public health requirements arising from COVID-19.

Funding will be provided under a new measure for community recreational areas where friends and families can socialise outdoors in safe, accessible, community spaces while respecting public health guidelines. This measure will include support for items such as picnic benches/tables, outdoor covered seating or BBQ areas, public lighting, bicycle stands, bandstand/stage areas, etc.

‘Community organisations providing meals on wheels and other community services will also be supported to purchase kitchen or food delivery equipment.’ Application forms are available at https:// www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/91ba52- clar/