Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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533. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his views on a matter in respect of a CLÁR grant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46479/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation.

The 2018 CLÁR programme provided funding under the following measures:

Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures

Measure 2: Play Areas/Multi-Use Games Areas

Measure 3: First Response Support Measure

Measure 4: Mobility and Cancer Care Transport Measure

The project referred to by the Deputy was awarded funding under Measure 2 of the CLÁR programme for a school play area. An email issued on 16th May 2018 to all the relevant County Councils clarifying that in order to be eligible under the scheme this year, the Play Areas/MUGAs on school grounds must be available to the general community outside of normal school hours and during school holidays.

On 17th May 2018, my Department received a reply from the relevant County Council stating that the play area for the project referred to by the Deputy was available for use by the wider community. Eligibility under the scheme remains dependent on this requirement being met, and there have been no derogations given in relation to the requirement.

If the school is not now in a position to open the play area to the public outside of normal school hours, it will not qualify for funding under the scheme criteria. A derogation cannot be considered in this case.