CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The funding works in conjunction with local/Agency and other Departmental funding programmes and on the basis of locally identified priorities.
CLÁR Programme for 2023
The 2023 CLÁR programme will be delivered through three separate Measures as follows:
Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities
Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport
Measure 3: ‘Our Islands’
Measure 1 Developing Community Facilities and Amenities
Measure 1 is administered by Local Authorities in consultation with local communities and applications will only be accepted directly from Local Authorities.
Up to 90% funding available
Types of Intervention eligible (this is not an exhaustive list):
Measure 1 will support a variety of capital projects provided that they contribute to the enhancement of existing, and/or the development of new, accessible Community Recreation Facilities.
In 2023, Measure 1 will prioritise funding applications in respect of small-scale renovation works to community centres (e.g. floors, windows, doors, heating upgrades, kitchen upgrades) and in particular community centres that did not receive funding under the Communities Centres Investment Fund (CCIF).
All community amenities funded under this programme must, in so far as practicable, be accessible to all abilities and ages.
The list below provides an indication of the types of projects that may be supported, but is not exhaustive:
- Small scale renovation works to community centres
- Multi-Use Gaming Areas (MUGAs)/Astro-Turf facilities including upgrades
- Playgrounds/Skateboard parks/Pump tracks/Cycling tracks
- Walking/Running /Athletics tracks
- Handball Alleys/Tennis Courts/Basketball Courts/Cricket Grounds
- Community Gyms/Community Cinemas
- Sensory Gardens/Community Gardens/ Allotments
- Access to unique local heritage sites / areas of natural beauty
- Outdoor Bowling Areas/Outdoor Toilet Facilities/Car Parking
- Improving access at sports grounds e.g., development/upgrade of spectator stands at local sports grounds with a particular focus on improving access for people of all abilities and ages
Grant Range €5,000 up to €50,000
Please contact Ann Marie Maher, Sport & Leisure Officer, Laois County Council to discuss potential projects for submission to this scheme as early as possible:
Email: sports@laoiscoco.ie
Phone: 057 8664058 or 087 6184404
Completed Expression of Interest Applications for Measure 1 must be submitted directly to Laois County Council by email in a word version only, to sports@laoiscoco.ie
Closing date for receipt of Expressions of Interest applications to Laois County Council is 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 17th May 2023.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Expression of Interest Application forms for Measure 1:
EOI Application Form CLÁR Measure1 2023
Measure 2 Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders
This scheme will cover costs of a vehicle and/or the fit out of a vehicle where necessary. The Department encourages the purchase of hybrid/electric vehicles where possible.
Between 80% and 90% funding available
Application forms for Measure 2:
Completed applications for Measures 2 should be emailed directly to the Department of Rural & Community Development at clar@drcd.gov.ie by 12th May 2023.
Measure 3 ‘Our Islands’
Island Community Transport – community bus/vehicle with an electric charging point which is powered by solar PV panels. ii) Outdoor Community Recreation Amenities – benches, picnic tables/areas, toilets.
Between 80% and 90% funding available
Application forms for Measure 2:
Completed applications for Measures 3 should be emailed directly to the Department of Rural & Community Development at clar@drcd.gov.ie by Friday 6th June 2023.