€714,000 Announced for 25 Community Groups for the development of specialist sensory gardens
Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, has, announced details of over €714,000 for 25 community groups who will receive funding for specialist sensory gardens under the Department’s 2019 CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais).
Minister Ring said:
“This year’s CLÁR programme will, for the first time, provide funding for the development of specialist sensory gardens and complementary play equipment. These gardens are designed to stimulate the senses and can be of particular benefit in enhancing the quality of life for people with a diverse range of life challenges.”
2019 is the first year that this measure, Specialist Sensory Gardens and Complementary Play Equipment, has been funded under the programme. A sensory garden is designed to stimulate the senses by using flowers, plants and materials that engage one’s senses of sight, smell, touch, taste and sound. They provide benefit to all members of the community, as places for recreation and education.
CLÁR provides funding for small scale capital projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation. The programme forms part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development which was launched in January 2017. The CLÁR programme is also an important part of the overall integrated strategy to support stronger rural economies and communities for Rural Development through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
Areas targeted under the CLÁR Programme are parts of counties Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wicklow and all of County Leitrim.
Since it was relaunched in 2016, over 1,400 CLÁR projects have been funded in the areas targeted.
The scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. It is delivered by local authorities in consultation with groups in local communities.