Minister Humphreys launches €5.5 million CLÁR 2021 programme

Minister Humphreys launches €5.5 million CLÁR 2021 programme

  • 10% increase on 2020 funding
  • New Innovation Measure to support communities to develop and test new project ideas & encourage outside the box thinking
  • Community Gardens and Allotments also to be supported

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Monday, March 15th) announced the launch of the 2021 CLÁR programme.

CLÁR provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered significant levels of population decline.

Funding for the CLÁR programme has been increased by 10% this year, in recognition of the importance of the programme to some of our most remote rural areas.

This brings the allocation for the programme to €5.5 million for 2021.

The measures being funded under the 2021 CLÁR programme are:

  • Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures
  • Measure 2: Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities
  • Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Measure:

a) Community Gardens and Allotments

b) Mobility and Cancer Care Transport

  • CLÁR Innovation Measure

    Announcing the details of the programme today, Minister Humphreys said:

    “I am delighted to announce the launch of the CLÁR programme for 2021. Since the scheme was reopened in 2016, it has made a very positive contribution to some of our most remote rural communities, supporting over 1,600 projects with funding of almost €39 million. This funding has helped reinvigorate rural communities all over Ireland.

    “Again this year we have reviewed the Measures to ensure they are adapting to meet the needs of our changing rural communities. In particular, I have introduced a new CLÁR Innovation Measure. This funding will be targeted at piloting new ideas which address specific challenges faced by communities in CLÁR areas, including rural isolation, population change, social disadvantage and marginalisation. This Measure provides a great opportunity for communities to identify the specific challenges they face and to come up with innovative ways to address them.”

    The Minister continued:

    “In addition, CLÁR 2021 will include funding for safety measures around Schools and Community facilities. It will also include funding for Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities including seating areas, pavilion style structures, playgrounds and Multi-Use Games Areas. For the first time, we are including Skateboard Parks under this Measure, as I feel it is important that children of all ages and young adults have an outdoor recreation space that meets their needs.

    “This year’s programme will also support the development of Community Gardens and Allotments, which I know there has been a great interest in, especially over the last twelve months while we have been living with COVID-19.

    “Funding will continue to be provided for vehicles for voluntary organisations that provide free transport to day care and medical services for people with mobility issues and for those attending cancer treatment centres.

    “The closing date for receipt of applications is 7th May and I would encourage all communities in CLÁR areas to avail of the opportunities provided by this funding. Full details of the scheme will be issued to Local Authorities and other relevant organisations shortly.”

     

    ENDS

 

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!