Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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277. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if grant aid is available under the CLÁR programme to fund the purchase of defibrillators by community groups; if so, the criteria and grant levels applicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13429/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects and other initiatives in areas that have experienced significant levels of population decline.

I launched the 2018 CLÁR Programme on 15 March, with an indicative allocation of €5 million across three Measures as follows:

Measure 1: Supports for School and Community Safety Measures

Measure 2: Play Areas

Measure 3: First Response Supports

There is an indicative allocation of €1 million for the First Response Supports Measure. This measure is open to established organisations that operate entirely on a voluntary basis and are involved in emergency rescue or first response efforts in the community. Funding under the measure will allow for the replacement or upgrading of old vehicles or equipment directly involved in emergency rescue/first response efforts, and could include the purchase of defibrillators.

The scheme will provide up to 85% of the total cost of the equipment being applied for. A match funding contribution of 15% is required.

Application forms and detailed scheme documentation are available on my Department's website at /, or by contacting my Department directly at CLAR@DRCD.gov.ie.