More than €250,000 has been allocated from the latest round of funding under the CLÁR Programme for rural development projects in Clare, Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has confirmed.
Among the Clare projects to benefit from the fund are the provision of a multi sports sprint lane for the West Clare Sports and Fitness Group (€46,000) and the resurfacing of a play area, playground markings and fencing at Crusheen National School (€44,895);
€42,830 was allocated for improvements to the playing area and fencing at Annagh National School with €40,500 going to the provision of a footpath and fencing at Lissycasey National School.
Other Clare projects to benefit were the provision of safety signage, fencing, storage and toilet facilities for the Ennistymon Sports Amenity Partnership (€28,736) and the provision of a footpath, fencing and kerbing at Scariff National School (€14,850).
A further €35,000 was allocated for the purchase of water safety equipment for swimming areas around the county and €5,185 for defibrillator equipment for Kildysart First Responders.
“This funding is in addition to the money allocated to Clare last month under the First Response Support and Mobility and Cancer Care Transport element of the CLÁR Programme,” Deputy Carey explained.
“The programme is a great scheme to help make our communities better places to live, work and raise families. Schools and community groups work alongside Clare County Council to put forward these initiatives and the CLÁR funding is then crucial to getting the projects over the line.This is all being made possible through the Government’s investment under Project Ireland 2040.
“Since its reintroduction in 2016, the CLÁR Programme has provided funding to over 1,300 projects throughout the country under various measures. The value of this support for disadvantaged rural communities is clear to see from the level of applications under the 2019 CLÁR programme.”
“Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, the funding aims to support the sustainable development of identified CLÁR areas with the aim of attracting people to live and work there. The funding works in conjunction with local funding and on the basis of locally identified priorities,” Deputy Carey concluded.
