The CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. The 2025 Programme for Government made a commitment to carry out a comprehensive review of the eligible CLÁR areas.
The review was completed by the All-Island Research Observatory in Maynooth University utilising two nationally recognised datasets, based on the results from Census 2022. The Pobal HP Deprivation Index was used to identify areas experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. In parallel, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Urban and Rural Life in Ireland classification was applied to distinguish areas based on their degree of remoteness and relative exposure to urban influence.
The review considered those Electoral Divisions (EDs) that were not currently designated for CLÁR. Only EDs with evidence of local areas classified as disadvantaged, very disadvantaged or extremely disadvantaged under the Pobal HP Deprivation Index were considered eligible. Similarly, within the CSO Urban and Rural Life in Ireland classification, only EDs with evidence of local areas classified as being highly rural/remote were included in the selection process. EDs were required to meet both criteria in order to be included. These data sets were utilised to provide a transparent and robust methodology which is in keeping with the aims of the CLÁR programme.
This review increased the number of EDs from 1,614 in 2025 to 1,724 in 2026 and brings the total population living in CLÁR designated areas to over one million. In spatial terms, the CLÁR programme now extends across approximately 4.36 million hectares accounting for 62.4% of the land area of the State, up from 60% in 2025. Full details are available in the report available at this link
https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/15223a83/CL%C3%81R_Programme_Expansion_-_Report_AIRO_20022026.pdf
Given the success of the CLÁR programme I am happy to confirm that recent years have seen significant growth in funding. For example, funding for the CLÁR programme has increased from €5m in 2020 to its current allocation of €12m. I will engage with the Budget 2027 process in the overall context of available funding for my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme.
The table below provides details on the funding allocation and level of coverage of CLÁR areas
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CLÁR Allocation
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CLÁR Electoral Divisions
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Population Coverage %
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CLÁR Population based on Census 2022
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Budget 2025
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€11m
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1,614
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17.3%
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892,000
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Budget 2026
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€12m
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1,724
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20.2%
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1,039,966
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