Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
927. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will consider including an area of Clare (details supplied) in the next CLÁR programme expansion; if it was assessed for inclusion during the recent review; what criteria would need to be met for the area to be considered for approval in the next review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68040/26]
View answerThe CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of measures for small-scale infrastructure projects in designated rural areas. Last year, the programme approved over €14 million for 238 projects, including funding for community facilities and amenities, community vehicles, and specific support for island communities.
The 2026 CLÁR programme was launched on 10th March with an increased 2026 allocation of €12m. In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, a comprehensive review of eligible CLÁR areas was completed in advance of launching the 2026 scheme. On completion of the review, an additional 110 electoral divisions (EDs) were included as newly eligible areas, including 3 areas in Clare. This has resulted in almost 48% of the population of Co. Clare living in a CLÁR designated area.
The All-Island Research Observatory at Maynooth University conducted the review using two nationally recognised datasets based on Census 2022 results. The Pobal HP Deprivation Index identified areas experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. In parallel, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Urban and Rural Life in Ireland classification was applied to distinguish areas by their degree of remoteness and relative exposure to urban influence, with particular emphasis on geographical areas identified as 'highly rural and remote'.
The review considered all EDs that were not currently designated for CLÁR, including the one referred to by the Deputy. Only EDs with evidence of local areas classified as disadvantaged, very disadvantaged, or extremely disadvantaged under the Pobal HP Deprivation Index were deemed eligible. Similarly, within the CSO Urban and Rural Life in Ireland classification, only EDs with evidence of local areas classified as highly rural/remote were included in the selection process. An ED was required to meet both criteria in order to be designated as a new CLÁR area. This approach provided a transparent, robust methodology aligned with the aims of the CLÁR programme.
Full details are available in the report attached at this link: Review of CLÁR Designations, 2026 https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/15223a83/CL%C3%81R_Programme_Expansion_-_Report_AIRO_20022026.pdf
I have no plans at this time to review the areas again.
