Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1013. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if further allocations of CLÁR funding will be awarded in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44202/19]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The CLÁR programme provides funding for small infrastructural projects in rural areas which have suffered high levels of population decline. I launched the 2019 CLÁR Programme on 28th February last, with a closing date for applications of 25^thApril.

Applications were invited under the following measures:

Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety

Measure 2: Play Areas (including Multi Use Games Areas)

Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Support comprising of:

- Measure 3(a) First Response Support

- Measure 3(b) Mobility and Cancer Care Transport

- Measure 3(c) Sensory Gardens

There was a huge level of interest in the CLÁR Programme this year and unfortunately it was not possible to fund all of the applications submitted within the budget available. Almost 500 applications to a value of over €16 million were received and I have announced funding of €6 million for 179 projects countrywide.

Given the demands on my Department's overall budget for programmes to support rural and community development, I currently have no plans to allocate further funding to CLÁR this year. However, I intend to launch a further round of CLÁR funding in 2020.