10% increase on 2020 funding
New Innovation Measure to support communities to develop and test new project ideas and encourage outside the box thinking
Community Gardens and Allotments also to be supported
Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins has welcomed the announcement by his party colleague Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD to launch the 2021 CLÁR programme. CLÁR provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered significant levels of population decline.
Senator Cummins said “Funding for the CLÁR programme has been increased by 10% this year, in recognition of the importance of the programme to some of our most remote rural areas. This brings the allocation for the programme to €5.5 million for 2021. In Waterford there are significant areas of Mid and West Waterford that are covered by the CLÁR map (attached). In the period 2016-2020, Waterford has received over €1.35 million in support for projects throughout the intervention areas.
The measures being funded under the 2021 CLÁR programme are:
Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities
Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Measure:
Community Gardens and Allotments
Mobility and Cancer Care Transport
CLÁR Innovation Measure
Announcing the details of the programme today, Minister Humphreys said “I am delighted to announce the launch of the CLÁR programme for 2021. Since the scheme was reopened in 2016, it has made a very positive contribution to some of our most remote rural communities, supporting over 1,600 projects with funding of almost €39 million. This funding has helped reinvigorate rural communities all over Ireland.
“Again this year we have reviewed the Measures to ensure they are adapting to meet the needs of our changing rural communities. In particular, I have introduced a new CLÁR Innovation Measure. This funding will be targeted at piloting new ideas which address specific challenges faced by communities in CLÁR areas, including rural isolation, population change, social disadvantage and marginalisation. This Measure provides a great opportunity for communities to identify the specific challenges they face and to come up with innovative ways to address them.”
Senator Cummins said “CLÁR 2021 will also include funding for safety measures around Schools and Community facilities which was very well received last year. It will also include funding for Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities including seating areas, pavilion style structures, playgrounds and Multi-Use Games Areas. This year’s programme will also support the development of Community Gardens and Allotments, which I know there has been a great interest in, especially over the last twelve months while we have been living with COVID-19.
“Funding will continue to be provided for vehicles for voluntary organisations that provide free transport to day care and medical services for people with mobility issues and for those attending cancer treatment centres. The closing date for receipt of applications is 7th May and I would encourage all communities in CLÁR areas to avail of the opportunities provided by this funding. Full details of the scheme will be issued to Local Authorities and other relevant organisations shortly.”