Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1029. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the timeframe for the launch of CLÁR funding in 2019; when he expects this funding to be open to applications in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1270/19]

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 aim of CLÁR is to support the sustainable development of designated CLÁR areas with the aim of encouraging people to continue live and work in those areas. The funding provided under CLÁR works in conjunction with local funding and on the basis of locally identified priorities.

The CLÁR programme was closed for new applications in 2010. However, I re-launched the programme in the second half of 2016 and since then, over 1,200 projects have been approved for total funding of €25 million.

I anticipate that the 2019 CLÁR Programme will be opened for new applications in the first quarter of this year. Decisions regarding specific measures to be supported under the programme will be made shortly.