Written answers

Tuesday, 30 May 2017

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

CLÁR Programme

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

379. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to introduce a local improvement scheme for the repair of local access roads under the CLÁR programme; if so, when the scheme will be open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25552/17]

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31 March 2017 and will provide funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The allocation for CLÁR for 2017 is €5 million and funding is available under the following measures: Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures

Measure 2: Play Areas

Measure 3: Targeted Community Infrastructure Needs

Measure 4: First Response Support Measure

The closing date for applications under the programme was Friday, 5 May 2017 and 519 applications were received under the various measures.

I have already announced that over €1.2 million has been approved for eligible projects under Measure 4: First Response Support Measure. This funding will provide support for organisations that are involved in a voluntary capacity in responding to emergency situations in CLÁR areas. I expect to be in a position to announce further allocations under the remaining measures shortly.

I have no plans, at the moment, to introduce a funding scheme for the repair of local access roads in CLÁR areas. My colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, who has overall responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the national roads network, provides funding to Local Authorities for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads. Local Authorities, can, if they wish, make a percentage of their roads allocation available for the maintenance and improvement of roads and laneways that are still in private ownership under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS).

The Action Plan for Rural Development includes a commitment to promote increased funding for Local Improvement Schemes (for non-public roads and laneways) and Community Involvement schemes (for regional and local roads), on an annual basis, as resources permit. Responsibility for this action is assigned to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Local Authorities.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.