Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2024
706. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the school (details supplied) is located in the blue CLÁR mapping area in order to submit an application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41208/24]
View answerMy Department's CLÁR programme provides targeted investment funding for small scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that suffered population loss over a defined period.
I understand that the school referred to by the deputy is in the Monaghan district electoral division of 'Castleblaney Rural' which is not in a designated CLÁR area.
It should be noted that there are other funding opportunities available through my Department. I have developed a suite of supports for communities in rural areas so that there is a range of different funding options available, be they in CLÁR areas or otherwise. This includes the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, LEADER, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the Community Recognition Fund, and the Community Centres Investment Fund. These schemes have seen unprecedented levels of investment in rural communities in recent years.
