Michael Ring TD, The Minister for Rural and Community Development, announced details of the CLÁR programme for 2019 which includes new measures to support rural communities. CLÁR provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered significant levels of population decline. The programme is part of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 Rural Regeneration Programme.
The measures being funded under the 2019 CLÁR programme are:
Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety measures
Measure 2: Play Areas (including Multi-Use Games Areas)
Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Supports (new in 2019), comprising:
- First Response Support
- Mobility and Cancer Care Transport
- Sensory Gardens
Minister Ring said: “I am delighted to announce the opening of the CLÁR programme for 2019 which contains exciting new measures. I will be inviting Local Authorities and other groups to submit proposals to my Department for consideration.”
The Minister continued: “2019 will see the creation of a “Community Wellbeing Support” measur which will encompass the assistance given in previous years for voluntary first-response organisations; and for mobility and cancer care supports.
“This year’s programme will also, for the first time, provide funding for the development of specialist sensory gardens and complementary play equipment. These gardens are designed to stimulate the senses and can be of particular benefit in enhancing the quality of life for people with a diverse range of life challenges.
“I am also making funding available again this year for initiatives to improve safety near schools including traffic calming measures; and for playgrounds, play areas, (including Multi-Use Games Areas) and other community facilities. By supporting these investments CLÁR is helping to improve the quality of life in rural communities for families with young children.
“I urge Local Authorities and communities to work together to bring forward proposals for consideration for the 2019 CLÁR programme. The deadline for applications is 25th April 2019.
“Since I re-introduced the CLÁR programme in 2016, it has supported over 1,270 projects in rural communities, with funding of almost €27 million. Having visited many projects supported by CLÁR throughout the country it never fails to impress me how much can be achieved with relatively modest investments through this programme.
Full details of the CLÁR programme will be issued to the Local Authorities and other relevant organisations in the coming days.
