Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has today (Monday, March 15) announced the launch of the 2021 CLÁR programme.
CLÁR provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered significant levels of population decline.
Increase of 10%
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.
The measures being funded under the 2021 CLÁR programme are:
- Measure 1: Support for schools/community safety measures;
- Measure 2: Outdoor community recreation facilities;
- Measure 3: Community wellbeing measure – community gardens and allotments, and mobility and cancer care transport;
- CLÁR Innovation Measure.
Announcing the details of the programme, Minister Humphreys said:
“Since the scheme was reopened in 2016, it has made a very positive contribution to some of our most remote rural communities, supporting over 1,600 projects with funding of almost €39 million. This funding has helped reinvigorate rural communities all over Ireland.
“Again this year we have reviewed the measures to ensure they are adapting to meet the needs of our changing rural communities.
In particular, I have introduced a new CLÁR Innovation Measure. This funding will be targeted at piloting new ideas which address specific challenges faced by communities in CLÁR areas, including rural isolation, population change, social disadvantage and marginalisation.
“This measure provides a great opportunity for communities to identify the specific challenges they face and to come up with innovative ways to address them.”
The closing date for receipt of applications is May 7. Full details of the scheme will be issued to local authorities and other relevant organisations shortly.