Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
134. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will expand the CLÁR initiative to recognise the challenges faced by hospitality providers in CLÁR areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38297/26]
View answerThe CLAR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. I was pleased to launch the 2026 CLAR programme on 10th March this year with a record budget of €12 million.
Measure 1 of the 2026 programme will continue to support the development of community facilities and amenities and is currently open for applications from community groups via local authorities.
The CLAR programme is targeted at community and voluntary groups and does not provide funding to the hospitality sector. However, the investment in community amenities and facilities through CLÁR has the potential to drive local economic activity which may in turn benefit the hospitality sector. This is also true for investment in outdoor recreation facilities such as walking trails, cycleways and mountain access routes through my Department's Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and for investment in town and village rejuvenation through the Town & Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
In addition, the LEADER programme has supported projects related to tourist accommodation and the hospitality sector, for example, through support for glamping projects and other tourism focused initiatives.
