Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys Launches €7 Million Fund for Rural Areas
Minister Humphreys launches €7 Million Fund to develop community facilities & amenities in rural areas
- Applications invited under the 2022 CLÁR Programme
- Focus on developing local facilities and amenities in rural areas
- Grants of up to €50k available for wide range of projects including Youth Clubs, Handball Alleys, Community Gyms, Walking Tracks & more
- Minister introduces specific CLÁR measure to support Island communities.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the launch of the 2022 CLÁR Programme.
CLÁR provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of population decline.
Community Groups are encouraged to consider applying for funding for projects such as the provision of Youth Hubs, Multi-Use Gaming Areas (MUGAs), Skateboard Parks, Playgrounds, Handball Alleys, Community Cinemas and Gyms and much more.
Minister Humphreys has increased funding for the 2022 CLÁR programme by over 25% this year, in recognition of the importance of the programme to some of our most remote rural areas.
Announcing the details of the programme today, Minister Humphreys said:
“I am delighted to announce the launch of the 2022 CLÁR Programme.
“The priority of this year’s scheme is the development of facilities and amenities which will will enhance our rural communities.
“As part of Our Rural Future, I want to ensure in particular that young people living in rural areas have access to amenities which they can enjoy with their friends be it youth hubs, walking tracks, basketball courts or skateboard parks.
“CLÁR provides small grants which can make a big difference and I am encouraging local community groups, youth clubs, men and women sheds and sports clubs to apply via their Local Authority if they have an idea for a project which could make a difference in their area.
The Minister continued:
“I’m also pleased to create a new Measure specifically for our islands, which are a key part of ‘Our Rural Future’.
“Like many of our other CLÁR areas, our off-shore Islands have seen significant levels of depopulation over the years. They also face specific challenges such as rural isolation, population decline, service accessibility and social disadvantage.
“Funding will also be provided to enable voluntary organisations acquire wheelchair accessible vehicles. This will facilitate free transport services to day- care and medical services for people with mobility issues and for those attending cancer treatment centres.
“And for the first time, we will also be accepting applications from Community First Responder Organisations, as well as Voluntary Search and Rescue Organisations.”