€5.5 million CLÁR programme launched

Funding for the CLÁR programme has been increased by 10% this year, in recognition of the importance of the programme to some of our most remote rural areas.

This brings the allocation for the programme to €5.5 million for 2021 to support the programme, which provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered significant levels of population decline.

The announcement was made at the launch of the 2021 CLÁR programme on Monday by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.

The CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted capital investment programme for rural areas which have experienced significant levels of depopulation in the past.

The measures being funded under the 2021 CLÁR programme are: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures; Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities; Community Wellbeing Measure: a) Community Gardens and Allotments, b) Mobility and Cancer Care Transport; and the CLÁR Innovation Measure.

Parts of counties Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Tipperary fall under the CLÁR Programme. The programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and is delivered, for the most part, by the Local Authorities in consultation with local communities.

The closing date for receipt of applications is May 7th and all communities in CLÁR areas are encouraged to avail of funding, with full details of the scheme to be issued to local authorities and other relevant organisations shortly.