George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)
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1457. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of applications for the Clár funding under measure 1 and measure 2 in 2024, and to-date in 2025; and the number of successful applications under each measure, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48461/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas.

CLÁR Measure 1 funds the development of community facilities and amenities.

CLÁR Measure 2 funds mobility, cancer Care, community first responder and meals on wheels transport.

Details of the number of applications and approvals under both measures in 2024 and 2025 are outlined in the table below. I was pleased to announce funding of €1.7 million for 32 vehicles under Measure 2 of the 2025 programme last Friday. The successful projects under Measure 1 will be announced later in the year.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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1458. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there are plans for a fund for community centres relating to energy efficiency and insulation in 2025 or 2026. [48493/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) has provided approximately €110 million since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres.

I am committed to delivering further iterations of the scheme in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. A decision in relation to the timing of further iterations and the measures to be included will be made in the context of the management of ongoing commitments under the fund and the annual budgetary process.

My Department also supports community facilities with enhancement works through a range of other funding streams including through the CLÁR programme, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. I would encourage organisations to check my Department’s website for information on funding opportunities and announcements

Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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1459. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding supports available to community groups (details supplied) seeking funding assistance towards the cost of a new ambulance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48545/25]

Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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1460. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding supports available to community groups (details supplied) seeking funding assistance towards the cost of a second-hand ambulance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48546/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1459 and 1460 together.

My Department has provided funding for vehicles under Measure 2 of the CLÁR programme for community first responders and other groups, including the organisation referenced by the Deputy.

Vehicles funded under Measure 2 may be either new or second hand, provided that they are no older than 5 years old and in good condition.

I was pleased to announce the approval of funding of over €1.7 million for 32 projects under measure 2 of the 2025 CLÁR programme last week.

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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1461. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number and details of funding drawn down for projects awarded under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme for the past two years in County Kildare, in tabular form. [48613/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based recreation sites and mountain trails.

The total funding drawn down in the two years since 1 September 2023 in Kildare is €295,375 for 6 projects. The table attached provides details in respect of those 6 projects.