Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 77 together.

The CLÁR programme provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation over a defined period. Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported over 2,100 projects with funding of over €59 million. This funding is making a real difference in many of our smaller and more remote communities. I launched the 2023 programme in March this year. Funding of almost €8 million has been allocated for the 2023 CLÁR programme, which is an increase of €0.5 million on 2022.

Measure 1 of the programme will support the development of community facilities and amenities including sports facilities, youth clubs, playgrounds, sensory gardens and walking tracks. For the first time, the programme this year offers funding to carry out improvements to spectator stands at local GAA and other sports clubs. Measure 2 supports voluntary groups that provide free transport to people receiving cancer care and other treatment. Community first responders and search and rescue organisations were also eligible to apply. The third and final measureis designed to support offshore island communities with funding for community transport and amenity projects.

In relation to the current eligibility for CLÁR, the areas in each county that are currently eligible under CLÁR can be found on my Department's website. As Deputy Smyth will be aware, the majority of County Cavan is currently considered to be eligible for CLÁR funding. A review of CLÁR areas nationally was undertaken in 2021 using the 2016 census of population data. The review examined the most recent changes in population patterns throughout the country on the basis of this 2016 data. It also examined the approach to developing the existing CLÁR designations, which is based on 2002 data, and considered how changes in population since then impacted on designations. From the review it is clear that many areas have seen population growth in the relevant period rather than decline. Indeed, the most recent census data published by the Central Statistics Office points to population growth across all counties since 2016. This population growth suggests that there would be very few additional areas that should now be designated as CLÁR areas using the initial criteria developed for the programme. The details of the review continue to be considered by my Department in advance of any decisions being taken on changing the areas throughout Ireland which are to be designated as eligible for CLÁR.

Turning to the announcement of funding under this year's scheme, I was pleased last month to announce the approval of funding of over €2 million for 37 projects under measure 2. This included support for community groups to purchase vehicles designed to transport people who have mobility issues or people being treated for cancer. Community groups that perform roles such as transporting blood samples from hospitals were also supported under the initiative, together with vital mountain rescue teams and subaqua groups. The assessment process is well advanced in relation to measures 1 and 3 of the programme. I expect to be in a position to make a decision on the successful measure 1 and 3 projects in the coming weeks. I know that this announcement will be eagerly awaited in many communities.

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