Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 151: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications received for the provision of funding under the CLÁR programme for the past two years; the number received to date in 2009; the amount of funding drawn down in each year; if there is a waiting list; the number of such applications; his plans to upgrade the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34208/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The CLÁR Programme provides funding and co-funding to Government Departments, State Agencies and Local Authorities to accelerate investment in selected priority developments in areas that have suffered significant depopulation. These investments support physical, economic and social infrastructure across a variety of measures.

Table A below outlines the number of applications received for 2007, 2008 and the number received, to date, in 2009.

It is important to note that for a number of measures, applications are not made directly to my Department. Rather, CLÁR funding is provided on the basis of co-funding/top-up arrangements with other Government Departments and Agencies. In these cases, the numbers in the table reflect the numbers of grants approved, rather than applications made.

Table B below outlines the funding drawn down during 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009.

There is no waiting list for the provision of funding under the CLÁR programme. For those CLÁR measures that remain open for new applications, applications continue to be assessed in my Department. For those CLÁR measures that are not currently open for applications, applicants are informed of the position by my officials.

I will continue to examine the scope for the Programme to provide support for rural infrastructure within the context of the current financial situation and the overall level of such support provided across Government.