Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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664. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding that is available to fund a playground at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33507/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different Measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas  that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period.  The Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities Measure (Measure 2)  of the  CLÁR 2021 programme includes provision for funding for playgrounds and Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs). However, the area referred to by the Deputy is not in a designated CLÁR area and is not eligible to apply for this funding.  

Funding may be available through the LEADER Transitional Programme. This programme, which will cover the period 2021-2022, came into effect on the 1  April 2021 for new project applications.  The programme will be delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country.  

Funding is provided under a broad range of themes, including enterprise development and social inclusion.  In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.  

The decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the LAG which administers the programme in each LEADER area.  Interested applicants should, in the first instance, contact the relevant LAG through its Implementing Partner to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. 

The list of all Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on my Department's website.