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 depopulation over a defined period.

Funding in excess of €13 million was provided for over 300 projects under CLÁR 2023. It included supports for a vast array of projects that will benefit people of all ages and abilities such as playgrounds, sensory gardens, outdoor cinemas, walking tracks, and community gyms.

Each year I review the focus of the scheme and that process is currently underway. I expect that process to conclude shortly and to launch the 2024 CLÁR programme in the coming weeks.

A national review of CLÁR areas was undertaken in 2021 using the 2016 Census of Population data, reviewing the most recent changes in population patterns throughout the country.

It also examined the approach to developing the existing CLÁR designations, which is based on 2002 data and it considered how changes in population since then impacted on designations.

Many areas will have seen population growth in the relevant period, and indeed the most recent census data published by the Central Statistics Office point to population growth across all counties since 2016.

The details of the review are being considered by my Department, taking into account the availability of more recent CSO data, in advance of any decisions being taken on changing the areas throughout Ireland which are to be designated as eligible for CLÁR. Any consideration of amendments to the current designations will be undertaken on a national basis.