Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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21. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the 2019 CLÁR programme and the 2019 outdoor recreational infrastructural scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43811/19]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale infrastructure projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population.  I launched the 2019 programme on 28 February last, with a closing date of 25 April for applications.  

Almost 500 CLÁR applications were received by my Department this year and I have allocated funding of €5.9 million for 179 projects under all of the measures. Details of the projects approved are on the Gov.ie website.  Over 1,400 projects to a value of €32 million have been approved under CLÁR since 2016.

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding to develop new outdoor recreational infrastructure and to maintain, enhance and promote existing infrastructure.  Almost 600 projects have been approved for funding of €42 million under the scheme since 2016.

I launched the 2019 ORIS on 29 March last and applications were invited under three separate measures, for small, medium and large projects. Over 280 applications were received and my officials are currently in the process of assessing all of these applications.

CLÁR and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme are just two of a wide range of programmes delivered by my Department to help build vibrant and sustainable communities in both urban and rural areas.  These programmes are helping to build the resilience of communities in light of the many external challenges which they face, including the potential impacts of Brexit.