Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

CLÁR is a targeted capital investment programme for rural areas which have experienced significant levels of depopulation.

I launched the 2018 CLÁR programme on 15 March last, with an indicative allocation of €5 million for qualifying projects under the following measures:

- Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures

- Measure 2: Play Areas/Multi-Use Games Areas

- Measure 3: First Response Support Measure

Applications for funding under Measures 1 and 2 were submitted via the Local Authorities who were asked to submit up to 15 applications in total between the two measures to my Department for consideration under the scheme. Applications under measure 3 were submitted to the Department directly by groups involved as first responders in emergency situations.

The closing date for submission of applications was 30th April. In total, more than 400 applications were received including the following from counties Westmeath and Clare:

My officials are currently assessing all applications received under the 2018 CLÁR programme and I hope to be in a position to announce the successful 2018 CLÁR projects in the coming weeks.