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Cathaoirleach welcomes CLÁR funding boost for Clare community projects

16 January 2024

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney, has welcomed the announcement of funding of €292,070 for 7 community groups and schools in County Clare, under the CLÁR programme.

These schools and groups were included in a recent funding announcement (12th January) by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, of €6.2 million to support 152 community groups across the country.

The CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and forms part of the Government’s five-year policy for rural Ireland, ‘Our Rural Future’.

Sports clubs, schools and community groups will receive grants of up to €50,000 to develop a wide and diverse range of community facilities in rural areas. Successful projects include astro-turf pitches, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks, nature trails, outdoor performance spaces and community cafés. The 7 groups in Clare, which will receive total funding of €292,070 are:

  • Kilmurry Ibrickane Community Centre Committee Ltd: To develop an inclusive playground - €50,000
  • Kilshanny National School: Development of an astro-turf surface in school yard - €30,641
  • St Enda’s National School Lisdoonvarna: Development of a Sensory Garden - €50,000
  • Kilballyowen Development Company Ltd: Enhancement of Community Centre grounds - €47,216
  • Clarisford Park Ltd: Upgrade of car park - €50,000
  • Kilnamona National School & Kilnamona Development Association: Enhancement of play and recreation area - €42,176
  • Inagh Tidy Towns: Upgrade of River Walk - €22,037

 

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “I’m delighted today to announce funding of almost €6.2 million, which will see the delivery of 152 high quality community and sports projects nationwide.

“This funding is being provided under the 2023 CLÁR Programme and is all about ensuring that some of our most rural communities benefit from projects that will make them more vibrant places to live, work and visit.

“From astro-turf pitches, playgrounds and sensory gardens to walking tracks, nature trails, outdoor performance spaces and community cafés – these projects really will make a difference to the lives of people of all ages and abilities.”

Welcoming the funding announcement, Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said: “Seven communities in County Clare stand to benefit from the development of facilities being funded under this announcement. These schools and community groups are to be commended for what they are achieving in developing these projects. I would like to thank Minister Humphreys and the Department for making this funding available and I look forward to the projects progressing.”

Anne Haugh, Director of Rural Development, Clare County Council, said: “I am delighted to see such deserving community projects receive funding under the CLÁR programme. These projects will allow each local group to develop facilities for the future enjoyment of residents and visitors, creating new recreational opportunities in communities across the county. I would like to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of all the groups involved and congratulate them on their successful funding applications.”

Minister Humphreys added: “The additional funding I am announcing today will further support community groups and schools across the country in the development and enhancement of community facilities which I have no doubt will be greatly welcomed and enjoyed by all who use them.

“I want to commend the work of all the successful applicants under the 2023 CLÁR programme. Each of the successful applicants can look forward to enjoying the fruits of their labours. I very much look forward to seeing these projects being delivered in the year ahead.”

Read more about the funding announcement and successful projects at: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/3250c-our-rural-future-minister-humphreys-announces-62-million-in-funding-for-schools-community-and-sports-facilities-nationwide/

The announcement on 12th January was the second announcement in relation to CLÁR 2023 funding applications.

In December 2023, CLÁR 2023 Measure 1 Sports Clubs Projects funding was announced. The following clubs below were awarded funding at that time:

  • Michael Cusack’s GAA Club: Surfacing of walking track at Gleann Ciosóg, Bellharbour - €50,000
  • O’Callaghan’s Mills GAA Club & Community Council: Upgrade of car park - €50,000
  • Killanena GAA Club: Upgrade of spectator stand at community sports ground - €49,500
  • Smith O’Brien’s GAA & Camogie Club, and Killaloe Boys National School: Resurfacing of existing car park - €50,000
  • Naomh Eoin GAA Club: Upgrade of community walking track - €50,000
  • Clondegad GAA Club: Upgrade of car park and walking track - €34,590
  • Kilmaley GAA Club: Upgrade of car park - €50,000
  • Feakle GAA Club: Upgrade of facilities at club grounds - €23,239

 

For more information on the Measure 1 funding announcement, visit: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1c20c-clar-2023-funding-approvals/ 

Page last reviewed: 16/01/24

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