William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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379. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when he expects the review of the eligibility criteria of CLAR to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55981/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas who have experienced significant levels of depopulation over a defined period.

The Programme for Government makes a commitment to carry out a comprehensive review of the eligibility criteria of CLÁR within 6 months. The statistical review of potential approaches to revised eligibility criteria has now been carried and I am currently considering the content of the resulting report. Any changes to be introduced as a result of the review will be implemented before the next iteration of the scheme is launched next year.

As the Deputy will be aware, my department implements a range of schemes and supports for rural areas, be they in CLÁR areas or otherwise, such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the LEADER programme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. Details on all of the funding programmes available can be found on my department's website.