Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
1095. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if CLÁR funding can be drawn down by rural communities to help pay for the extension of a graveyard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4301/26]
View answerThe CLAR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. The measures for inclusion in the scheme are reviewed and revised each year. The next iteration of the scheme is currently under review and it is expected to be launched in the coming months. Details in respect of the activities that will be eligible for funding will be confirmed at that stage. The deputy may also wish to be aware that under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Acts, 1878 to 2001, local authorities are deemed to be burial boards for their respective functional areas. Acting in their capacity as burial boards, local authorities are responsible for the management, regulation and control of burial grounds in their functional areas. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, through local authorities, supports a “Burial Grounds Maintenance Community Grant”, that provides financial support to voluntary groups who are maintaining their local graveyard or burial grounds. The grant can be used towards the cost of maintenance and upkeep of these sites.
