Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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674. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when groups should expect to hear from the Department regarding the second-round decisions on CLÁR funding and on whether they have been successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39289/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31 March 2017 to provide funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. Funding under the programme was available this year under four separate Measures:

The closing date for applications under the programme was 5 May 2017 and over 500 applications were received across the four Measures.

Successful projects were announced in May and June, with a total of just under €7 million allocated to approximately 230 projects across the four Measures. Details of the approved projects are available on my Department's website at .

There are currently no plans to revisit existing applications under the 2017 scheme or to open the CLÁR programme for new applications again this year. The provision of funding for the CLÁR programme for 2018 will be considered as part of the annual Estimates process.

Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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675. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department will provide supplementary funding under the CLÁR programme for essential works in a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39380/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31 March last, with a closing date of 5 May 2017. The programme provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population.

Funding for the 2017 CLÁR programme was available this year under four separate Measures:

In total, more than 500 applications were received across the four Measures, with a combined value of €15 million.

In general, applications were assessed on the basis of their eligibility under the scheme criteria and on the quality of the documentation supporting their proposals. Approximately 230 applications were approved in May and June for funding totalling €7 million.

I can confirm that an application was received under the programme from the project referred to by the Deputy. However, insufficient documentary evidence was provided in support of the application, as required by the scheme criteria, and the application was unsuccessful as a result.

There are currently no plans to revisit existing applications under the 2017 scheme or to open the CLÁR programme for new applications again this year. The provision of funding for the CLÁR programme for 2018 will be considered as part of the annual Estimates process later this year.