Today, my Colleague, Minister Heather Humphreya has announced almost €8 million for community and sports facilities nationwide.
The funding, under the 2023 CLÁR Programme, will support hundreds of projects with a particular focus on areas that have experienced significant levels of population decline.
Under the initiative, grants of up to €50,000 will be provided to support the development of community and sports facilities, youth clubs, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks and much more.
And for the first time under the CLÁR Programme, funding will be provided to carry out upgrades and improvements to spectator stands at local GAA and sports clubs.
There will be specific measures to support Cancer Care Transport, Community First Responders as well as our offshore island communities.
CLÁR is an important funding stream for small-scale rural projects in areas of population decline.
This year there are 2 measures which are of relevance to Midlands counties:
Measure 1
Developing Community Facilities & Amenities
Applications will only be accepted directly from Local Authorities under Measure 1. Please contact your Local Authority for an application form and further information.
The deadline for receipt of applications under Measures 1 is Tuesday 6th June 2023.
Measure 2
Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport.
Applications are being accepted directly by the Department in respect of Measures 2 via email to CLAR@drcd.gov.ie
The deadline for receipt of applications under Measure 2 is Friday 12th May 2023.
Communities and organisations operating in areas like Tinnahinch, Vicarstown and Ballyfin in Laois, Cloghan, Clonmacnoise and Templeharry in Offaly and the area of Kilbeggan in Westmeath are eligible to apply. This is not an exhaustive list and I encourage communities to view the CLÁR maps on gov.ie for themselves.
I wish all potential applicants in CLÁR areas well – previously, we have seen very strong support of worthwhile projects through this programme and I don’t expect 2023 to be any different.