Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
921. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an overview of the way the CLÁR scheme has benefitted County Meath in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28081/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas.
Last year I approved over €14 million for 238 projects under the programme, with funding being provided for community facilities and amenities, community vehicles and specific support for our island communities. This included 7 projects in Meath that collectively received almost €400,000 in funding under Measure 1 of the programme.
Since 2020, 33 projects in County Meath have been approved for funding of over €1.5 million. The lists of projects approved each year in County Meath are available on my Department’s website. These includes a range of community infrastructure projects such as MUGAs and sensory spaces, community centre upgrades and carpark improvement works.
The Deputy may be aware that I have completed a review of the eligible CLÁR areas and that an additional 110 electoral divisions have now been designated as CLÁR areas. This includes the electoral division of Oldcastle in Meath.
The 2026 CLAR programme with a record budget of €12 million is now open for applications,. I look forward to approving the successful applications later this year.
