Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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1155. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding moneys spent in County Carlow under the CLÁR programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46143/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas which have suffered the greatest levels of population decline.

In October 2016, I reopened the CLÁR programme to new applications for the first time since 2009, and all Local Authorities with designated CLÁR areas were invited to submit proposals for funding in accordance with the scheme outline.

Carlow County Council submitted 18 applications for funding for Safety Measures for Schools and Community/Sports Facilities in 2016.  All applications were approved and were allocated funding to the total value of €80,000.  All projects are now completed under the 2016 CLÁR programme.

The 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31st March last, with a closing date of 5th May 2017. Funding for the CLÁR programme this year was available under four separate Measures:

Measure 1: Support for School and Community Safety Measures

Measure 2: Play Areas

Measure 3: Targeted Community Infrastructure

Measure 4: First Responder Supports

Carlow County Council submitted three applications for funding under Measure 1, and two applications under Measure 3.  All applications were approved and were allocated funding to the total value of €178,760.  On the basis of the latest information available to me, I understand that, to date, one project under Measure 1 has drawn down funding to the value of €44,836.70. 

My Department is working closely with all Local Authorities involved in the CLÁR programme to ensure that the funding which has been allocated to them is spent as promptly as possible for the benefit of rural communities.