Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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223. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will award funding under the CLÁR programme for a group (details supplied). [18003/19]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, CLÁR is an important part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and focuses on areas which have suffered the greatest levels of population decline. 

I launched the 2019 CLÁR programme on the 28^thFebruary last. The programme provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. 

Calls for proposals under the 2019 CLÁR programme were invited under the following measures:

Measure 1:Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures

Measure 2:Play Areas (including MUGAs)

Measure 3:3(a) First Response Support Measure

3(b) Support for Mobility and Cancer Care Transport.

3(c) Sensory Gardens

Applications under Measures 1, 2 and 3(c) are to be submitted by the relevant Local Authority.  Applications under Measures 3(a) and 3(b) were invited from voluntary organisations. 

In this case, the group referred to by the Deputy can make an application to Longford County Council to be considered in the Council's submission to my Department for funding. The closing date for receipt of applications by the Department under the 2019 CLÁR Programme is 25 April 2019. 

After the closing date, my officials will assess all applications received, and I hope to be in a position to announce the successful projects following that process.