Clare County Council has welcomed the announcement of €693,130 in funding for 15 community groups and schools across County Clare under the CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) 2024 Programme.
The funding, which is part of a nationwide €11.4 million allocation by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, will support the development of essential facilities in rural areas.
Under the programme, sports clubs, schools, and community groups in rural areas received grants of up to €50,000 to enhance community infrastructure and facilities.
Announcing the successful projects, Minister Humphreys said, “The projects we are funding today are based on a bottom-up approach, ideas and proposals that have come directly from communities on the ground. From playgrounds and sports facilities to sensory gardens and community halls – these projects will make a really positive difference in towns and villages throughout Rural Ireland. That is what we are about in the Department of Rural and Community Development – supporting our local and community groups in delivering the ambition and vision that they have for their areas.”
The 15 Clare projects receiving a total of €693,130 in funding are:
- Doonbeg Community Development Limited – Community Playground development: €50,000
- Derg Active Alliance – Accessible lift installation at Community Centre: €46,004
- Tulla GAA – Access improvement at Tulla GAA Club: €50,000
- Crusheen GAA – Community car park surfacing at GAA grounds: €50,000
- Broadford GAA – Car park creation in Broadford village: €50,000
- Tulla Athletics Club – Public car parking and access improvement at club grounds: €50,000
- East Clare Community Cooperative Society – Covered community event space and upcycling shed: €35,403
- Moy GAA – Community walking track development: €50,000
- Ennistymon Parish Project Community Centre Ltd – Maintenance works at the centre: €50,000
- Kilrush Shamrocks GAA – Resurfacing of existing gravel walkway track: €24,822
- Scoil Realt na Mara, Kilkee – Astro turf play area, sensory garden, and biodiversity area: €50,000
- Kilrush Town Team – Cappagh toilet refurbishment: €36,900
- Kildysart GAA – Community walkway development: €50,000
- St Senan’s GAA – Car park and walking/running track upgrade: €50,000
- Whitegate GAA – Public safety works at Whitegate GAA facilities: €50,000
Welcoming the announcement, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Alan O’Callaghan said, “The 15 communities in County Clare that will benefit from the development of facilities being funded under this announcement are to be commended for their dedication and determination in developing these projects to this stage. I would like to thank Minister Humphreys and the Department for making this funding available and I look forward to the projects progressing.”
Bernadette Haugh, Acting Director of Rural Development at Clare County Council, also welcomed the announcement. “I am delighted to see such deserving community projects receive funding under the CLÁR programme. This funding will enable each local group to develop facilities for the future enjoyment of residents and visitors, creating new recreational opportunities in communities across the county. I would like to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of all the groups involved and congratulate them on their successful funding applications.”