Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is quite correct. The scheme is very successful. I will return to Government, and I know the Deputy and all of my colleagues will support me, seeking further funding for the CLÁR programme.

The measure pertaining to schools has proven to be very successful. There were three rounds of funding under the sports capital programme. The scheme has worked very well in terms of safety measures for children outside schools. It has also worked well with the local authorities and has been one of our successes.

The Deputy is quite correct in that this round of applications includes a new initiative in order to include organisations or groups which had not received funding under any other State scheme. If five, six, seven, eight, ten or 15 applications are submitted for the same type of project, that is something we can consider for the next round of the CLÁR programme.

Despite a small amount of money being involved, areas that are in need of support and help can be targeted. The funding this year totals €5 million and the applications process will close on Friday. I hope to be able to announce the successful applicants at the end of the month. I hope if further funding is provided at the end of the year there could perhaps be a second round to address other applications.

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