Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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299. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the assessment of all CLÁR applications; and when she expects to announce the funding. [41998/23]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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301. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will approve a CLÁR application for four groups (details supplied). [42000/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 299 and 301 together.

The CLÁR programme provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported over 2,100 projects with funding of over €59 million. This funding is making a real difference in many of our smaller and more remote communities.

I launched the 2023 programme in March this year. Funding of almost €8 million has been allocated for the 2023 CLÁR programme which is an increase of €0.5m on 2022.

Measure 1 of the programme will support the development of community facilities and amenities including sports facilities, youth clubs, playgrounds, sensory gardens and walking tracks.

Measure 2 supports voluntary groups that provide free transport to people receiving cancer care and other treatment. I was pleased last month to announce the approval of funding of over €2million for 37 projects under Measure 2.

The third and final measureis designed to support offshore island communities with funding for community transport and amenity projects.

In relation to the specific groups referenced by the Deputy, my Department did not receive an application from Streamstown TidyTowns under CLÁR 2023. However, I can confirm that applications have been received from Rosemount Community Committee, Rosemount GAA Club and St Owens/Market Hill under measure 1 of the programme. The assessment process is well advanced in relation to measures 1 and 3 of the programme. I expect to be in a position to make a decision on the successful measure 1 and 3 projects in the coming weeks.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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300. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the assessment of all town-and-village scheme applications; and when she expects to announce the funding. [41999/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland. The Scheme has supported towns and villages the length and breadth of the country.

TVRS is a key driver of the national Rural Development Policy, Our Rural Future, and the Town Centre First Policy. In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, TVRS priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities.

This year's Scheme has a renewed focus on town centre economic and social vibrancy and regeneration. This will be achieved through projects focusing on town centre regeneration, enhancing our streetscapes and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use as community multi-purpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation.

The Scheme is currently open and the closing date for receipt of applications from Local Authorities to the Department is close of business on 10 November 2023.

Funding under the Scheme is awarded on a competitive basis, with all applications being assessed for suitability against scheme criteria and objectives. Other relevant considerations which inform the assessment process include the number and progress of TVRS projects in the relevant local authority, and the geographical spread of projects. It is expected that successful projects will be announced in Quarter 1 of 2024.