Written Answers Nos. 663-670
663. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 686 of 19 February 2026, if the information requested can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16130/26]
View answerI can confirm that PQ No. 686 has been answered by officials in my Department, and sent to the Deputy.
664. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when details of the next CLÁR programme will be announced; the proposed changes to the criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15962/26]
View answerThe CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. Last year I approved over €14m million for 238 projects under the programme, with funding being provided for community facilities and amenities, community vehicles and specific support for island communities. The details in relation to the 2026 CLÁR scheme are currently being finalised. In addition, the Programme for Government makes a commitment to carry out a comprehensive review of the eligible CLÁR areas. The statistical analysis for this review has now been completed. Any changes to be introduced as a result of the review will be introduced alongside the launch of the next iteration of the programme, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
665. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when an opportunity might next exist for organisations to apply for funding under the outdoor recreational investment scheme; the categories of schemes which might apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16063/26]
View answer670. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the list of projects in County Galway funded under the outdoor recreation investment scheme in 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16068/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 665 and 670 together.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding under a number of measures for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland.
The scheme is supporting the delivery of Ireland's national outdoor recreation strategy, 'Embracing Ireland's Outdoors'.
I am currently working with my officials on the next iteration of the programme and I expect to announce details of the new scheme in Quarter 2 of this year.
The attached table outlines the projects approved in County Galway under ORIS in 2024 and 2025. This includes some of the projects approved under the 2023 scheme that were announced in 2024.
666. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when an opportunity might next exist for organisations to apply for funding under the CLÁR scheme; the categories of schemes which might apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16064/26]
View answer669. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the list of projects in County Galway funded under the CLÁR scheme in 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16067/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 666 and 669 together.
[Attachment omitted]
667. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when an opportunity might next exist for organisations to apply for funding under the town and village renewal scheme; the categories of schemes which might apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16065/26]
View answer668. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the list of projects in County Galway funded under the town and village renewal scheme in 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16066/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 667 and 668 together.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Delivered in partnership with local authorities, it primarily targets funding at areas with populations of less than 10,000 people. Applications for towns with populations of up to 15,000 people are also accepted where the project is of a high quality, displays good value for money and has the potential to significantly benefit the town. Since the launch of the scheme over €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects nationally. Of this more than €8.5 million was allocated to County Galway for 81 projects. I announced the most recent round of funding under the 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme in December of last year, where €26.2 million was allocated to 116 projects. Details of all TVRS projects funded can be found on the Department's website. In 2024, County Galway was allocated funding of more than €0.75 million for 3 projects. In 2025, Galway County Council was allocated more than €1.6 million for 7 projects which represented the highest level of funding nationally across local authorities. Details of these projects are included in the table below.The 2025 Scheme had three funding streams for project applications, the Building or Land Acquisition Measure, the Main Scheme and the Project Development Measure. Scheme priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities. The details of the next iteration of TVRS are currently being developed and I expect to announce details of the scheme later this year.
|
Year Funding allocated |
Scheme |
Town or Village |
Amount approved |
Description of Project |
Status |
|
Year Funding allocated |
Scheme |
Town or Village |
Amount approved |
Description of Project |
Status |
|
2024 |
Main Scheme |
Maree |
€250,000 |
Renovation and refurbishment of Maree Community Centre |
Complete |
|
2024 |
Main Scheme |
Gort |
€250,000 |
Enhance the street frontage of the principal buildings both residential and commercial within Gort Town centre. |
Complete |
|
2024 |
Main Scheme |
Dunmore |
€250,000 |
Renovation and improved Accessibility of Dunmore Community Centre in partnership with Dunmore Community Council. |
Ongoing |
|
2025 |
Main Scheme |
Portumna |
€500,000 |
Restoring Portumna’s Town Hall and Bridewell to safeguard heritage, improve safety, and re-energise these community spaces |
Ongoing |
|
2025 |
Main Scheme |
Leitir Moir |
€300,000 |
Enhancing Páirc Pobal Leitir Móir with inclusive play and green spaces |
Ongoing |
|
2025 |
Main Scheme |
An Fhairche Clonbur |
€300,000 |
Refurbishment of the community centre |
Ongoing |
|
2025 |
Main Scheme |
Killimor |
€214,550 |
Enhancing shopfronts and facades, tackling vacancy, and creating a more attractive, vibrant, and resilient rural community. |
Ongoing |
|
2025 |
Main Scheme |
Ahascragh |
€250,000 |
Enhance the street frontage of the principal buildings both residential and commercial within the village. |
Ongoing |
|
2025 |
Project Development Measure |
Corofin |
€45,572 |
Design and submission of plans for planning permission; the cost of any additional reports/assessments for the preparation of schedules for procurement prior to tender to enable the project to bid for capital funding. |
Ongoing |
|
2025 |
Project Development Measure |
Athenry |
€42,750 |
Detailed design, costings and preparation of planning and detailed costs for the refurbishment of an underused parochial hall in the centre of the town |
Ongoing |
