Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The CLÁR programme which was originally launched in 2001, provides funding for small scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. Previously the programme provided funding to support micro enterprises to convert from single phase to three phase electricity. However, while the 2023 CLÁR programme is currently in progress, support for this type of intervention or for rural enterprise more widely has not formed part of the more recent iterations of the programme.

Support for rural enterprises is available under the LEADER programme. LEADER is based on a community-led approach to rural development, and plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level. In October last, I was happy to announce the process to select new Local Action Groups (LAGs) to deliver the next LEADER Programme. Eligible groups are in the process of designing a Local Development Strategy through active consultation with local communities in their respective areas.

Funding under the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme will be available under a broad range of defined themes and sub-themes, which include enterprise development and job creation, rural infrastructure and social inclusion, sustainable development of the rural environment and climate change mitigation and adaptation. These themes will support and encourage rural economies to grow and develop.

The approval of individual projects, however, will be a matter for each of the new LAGs. My Department anticipates that the new programme will be open to applications in the third quarter of this year, following the conclusion of the LAG selection process. Interested applicants should, at that juncture, contact their LAG to discuss project eligibility.