Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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1191. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be provided for fully adapted transport for an organisation (details supplied) as part of its application for CLÁR funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36234/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The aim of CLÁR is to support the sustainable development of designated areas which have suffered significant levels of depopulation in the past, with the aim of encouraging people to continue to live and work in those areas.  The programme has funded a number of measures over the last two years which support this objective.

On the 8^thAugust last, I announced details of a Mobility and Cancer Care Transport measure under the Department’s CLÁR Programme. This new €1.5 million measure will support the purchase of vehicles by voluntary organisations in CLÁR areas that provide:

- transport to/from designated cancer treatment hospitals/centres under the National Cancer Care Programme, or

- transport for people with significant mobility issues to day care or other medical, therapeutic or respite services, including those requiring specialised wheelchair accessible vehicles. 

The measure will support applications of up to €50,000 for a wheelchair accessible vehicle and up to €100,000 for a bus. CLÁR will provide up to 85% of the total cost of such vehicles, including fit-out. Matching funding of at least 15% is required from other sources. The closing date for applications under the measure was 31st August 2018. 

I can confirm that an application was received in respect of the group referred to by the Deputy. My officials are currently assessing all applications received and I hope to be in a position to announce the successful applications in the coming weeks.