Dublin groups can apply now for CLÁR funding to help revitalise local rural communities, a Fine Gael Senator has said.
Senator Seery Kearney said: “Fine Gael is working to create stronger safer communities and in Government we are prioritising programmes like the CLÁR Programme to achieve this. My colleague Minister Heather Humphreys recently announced €7 million nationally for the 2022 CLÁR Programme. This is significant funding for rural communities and it represents an increase of 25% on last year’s allocation. “Dublin groups can apply now for CLÁR funding which supports small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of population decline. The funding is for the development of local facilities and amenities in rural areas.
“The Programme covers projects to enhance or develop the following facilities (not an exhaustive list)
· Multi-Use Gaming Areas (MUGAs)/Astro-Turf Facilities
· Skateboard Parks
· Playgrounds
· Handball Alleys
· Tennis Courts
· Basketball Courts
· Community Gyms
· Community Cinemas
· Sensory Gardens
· Community Gardens
· Outdoor Bowling Areas
· Walking / Running Tracks
· Outdoor Toilet Facilities
· Car Parking
· Public Lighting
“Voluntary organisations in Dublin will be able to apply for funding to acquire wheelchair accessible vehicles under this fund. This will facilitate free transport services to day- care and medical services for people with mobility issues and for those attending cancer treatment centres.
“For the first time, Community First Responder Organisations, as well as Voluntary Search and Rescue Organisations, can also apply for funding through CLÁR.”
“Local groups should check out the website of the Department of Rural and Community Development for more information and details of how to apply: https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/91ba52-clar/ ,” Senator Seery Kearney concluded.
This announcement comes on top of a recent announcement by Minister Humphreys of dedicated funding under the Town Centres First policy, designed to support the regeneration of our towns and villages with targeted funding to support above-shop and town centre living.
Speaking about the CLÁR Programme, Minister Humphreys added, “The priority of this year’s scheme is the development of facilities and amenities which will enhance our rural communities.
“As part of Our Rural Future, I want to ensure in particular that young people living in rural areas have access to amenities which they can enjoy with their friends, be it youth hubs, walking tracks, basketball courts or skateboard parks.
“CLÁR provides small grants which can make a big difference and I am encouraging local community groups, youth clubs, men and women sheds and sports clubs to apply via their Local Authority if they have an idea for a project which could make a difference in their area.”
