CLÁR Programme

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CLÁR Funding 2024

CLÁR 2024 is now closed for applications 

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, recently launched the 2024 CLÁR Scheme. CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population.

The scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD). 

It is delivered by local authorities in consultation with schools, local community and voluntary groups and local development companies.

The measures being funded under the 2024 CLÁR programme are:

  1. Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities and Amenities
  2. Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport and Meals on Wheels services 
  3. Measure 3: 'Our Islands'

Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities and Amenities

Measure 1 will support a variety of capital projects provided that they contribute to the enhancement of existing, and/or the development of new, accessible Community Recreation Facilities. All community amenities funded under this programme must, in so far as practicable, be accessible to all abilities and ages.

A minimum grant of €5,000 and maximum grant of €50,000 will apply to this measure. The scheme will provide up to 90% of the cost. The remaining 10% or balance of the cost must be provided through local authority/community/other resources. Philanthropic contributions will be accepted as full or part of match funding costs. This funding must be in place at the time of application.  Please note that match funding cannot come from other DRCD Schemes.

The Department has advised it is preferably that all permissions are in place at application stage (this includes planning). However, they understand that this may not be possible. In these circumstances it is acceptable for a planning reference number to be provided in your CLÁR 2024 application form if planning is not in place.

The list below provides an indication of the types of projects that may be supported, but is not exhaustive:

  • Small scale renovation works to community facilities open to the wider community such as community centres/sports centres/clubhouses of sporting groups/youth centres/men’s sheds.
  • Multi-Use Gaming Areas (MUGAs)/Astro-Turf facilities including upgrades
  • Playgrounds/Skateboard parks/Pump tracks/Cycling tracks
  • Walking/Running /Athletics tracks
  • Handball Alleys/Tennis Courts/Basketball Courts/Cricket Grounds
  • Community Gyms/Community Cinemas
  • Sensory Gardens/Community Gardens/ Allotments
  • Access to unique local heritage sites / areas of natural beauty
  • Outdoor Bowling Areas/Outdoor Toilet Facilities/Car Parking
  • Improving access at sports grounds, for example development/upgrade of spectator stands at local sports grounds with a particular focus on improving access for people of all abilities and ages
  • Solar Bins
  • Biodiversity planting

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CLÁR 2024 Measure 1 Application Form  - closed for applications 

CLÁR 2024 Measure 1 Scheme Outline M1 Scheme Outline 

For Measure 1, apply to clar@longfordcoco.ie  by 4pm on Friday, 24 May 2024

LATE AND INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

To check eligibility for Measure 1, please email clar@longfordcoco.ie  or call 043 334 33 07, 043 334 34 56 or 043 334 34 72

 

Useful links for your application:

Measure 2(M2): Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport and Meals on Wheels services 

Measure 2 supports voluntary groups that provide free transport to people receiving cancer care and other

treatment as well as Community First Response Support and Search and Rescue organisations.   This measure is being administered directly by the Department.

M2 closing date 5 June 2024

For further information, see Gov.ie/DRCD

Measure 3(M3): 'Our Islands'

Measure 3 is designed to support offshore island communities, with funding available towards community

transport projects and amenities projects. This measure is being administered directly by the Department.

M3 closing date Wednesday, 19 June 2024

For further information, see Gov.ie/DRCD

Data Privacy

The purpose of processing personal data collected on this application form is to assist Longford LCDC and Longford County Council manage and administer your application. We process this Personal Data under Article (6)(1)(b) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), 'processing is necessary for the performance of the contract to which that data subject is party'. Further information on how Longford County Council process your personal data and your rights can be found on ourPrivacy Policy available on Longfordcoco.ie under the Data Protection section.



CLÁR 2023 Programme

The Department advised of CLÁR Measure 1 funding approvals totaling €457,406 for County Longford as follows –

Longford County Council will fund up to 5% towards the estimated cost of these projects.

Jim McGann ParkWalking Track Lighting Upgrade €30,791.00
Dromard GAA Outdoor Exercise Area€11,778.00
Rathcline GAASpectator Stand€10,800.00
Killoe Emmet ParkUpgrade of seating in the spectator stand€19,810.00
 Cashel GAA ClubCommunity Gym€29,163.00
St Columbas GFC Mullinalaghta Upgrading of existing flood lighting €15,660.00
Granard Community CentreCommunity Centre Upgrades €50,000.00
St Mary's Hall Lanesboro Community Hall Upgrade €43,611.00
St Mary's Community Campus Upgrade Fire alarm system€8,434.00
Latin School Community Centreboundary wall replacement/upgrade heating system €42,482.00
Colmcille Community Centreenergy efficiency upgrades to Community Centre€48,340.00
St Colmcille N.S.sensory garden€40,500.00
Scoil Samhthainn Astro turf pitch €50,000.00
Lanesborough Primary School Walkway€31,287.00
Cnoc Mhuire Walkway€24,750.00