Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
906. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether footpath construction and footpath improvement works are eligible for funding under the CLÁR programme; if he will provide details of changes made to eligibility criteria in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51165/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra907. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether consideration has been given to reintroducing support for footpath infrastructure under the CLÁR programme, particularly in rural villages and settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51166/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra908. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number of applications relating to pedestrian infrastructure or footpath projects submitted under CLÁR in each of the past five years in County Galway; the outcome of those applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51167/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 906, 907 and 908 together.
The CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. Last year over €14 million was approved for 238 projects under the programme, with funding being provided for community facilities and amenities, community vehicles and specific support for island communities.
The 2026 CLÁR programme was launched on March 10th with a record budget of €12 million.
The measures funded under CLÁR 2026 are:
Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities
Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care, First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport
Measure 3: Our Living Islands
Measure 1 is administered by local authorities. Prior to 2022, footpaths were funded under Measure 1 which was targeted at support for school/community safety measures. The focus in 2022 shifted to wider supports for community facilities and amenities and footpaths were classified as ineligible under the CLÁR programme. However, some projects to enhance safety and accessibility at community facilities may include some works on paths or parking to improve accessibility within the facility itself.
Each year in advance of the CLÁR programme launch, eligibility and applicable measures are reviewed. Following a commitment in the Programme for Government, an eligibility review of CLÁR areas has resulted in an additional 110 Electoral Divisions (ED’s) being added for 2026, bringing the total population covered by the CLÁR programme to over 1 million.
The maximum funding allowed for projects increased in 2025 to €65,000, with up to €100,000 available for two larger scale projects. There is now a greater focus on our Gaeltacht and Island regions and an expansion of the measure 2 eligibility to include vehicles for meals on wheels providers.
In 2026 I also introduced support for community focussed traffic safety measures and actions to remediate light pollution through restorative strategies to protect or restore dark skies. Further changes introduced for 2026 include a reduction in the term of the lease/licence requirement from 15 years to 7 years.
Since 2020, Galway local authority has submitted eight applications which included works to footpaths. Five of these were approved for funding. The project approved in 2025 included accessibility improvements the paths around a community centre and was not for footpaths around a town or village. Details are set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Applications received |
Decision |
|
2020 |
4 |
3 |
|
2021 |
3 |
1 |
|
2022 |
0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
|
2025 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
8 |
5 |
The CLÁR programme and its measures will be reviewed in advance of the launch of the 2027 programme. I look forward to announcing the successful projects under the current programme before year-end.
