Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) oversaw €7,364,418 in programme investment for the county in 2025.
Last year, CLDC supported a diverse range of projects — from infrastructure upgrades and social enterprises to environmental innovations.
Spanning SICAP, LEADER, Rural Social Scheme, Sustainable Energy Communities, Local Area Employment, Tús, childcare, and supports for Travellers and other groups (see full range of programmes), this multi-million-euro effort delivered grants, training, placements, and community development to improve services and quality of life throughout Clare.
Through LEADER, CLDC guided communities and enterprises from project concept to completion, ensuring local ideas translated into lasting investment across Clare. LEADER’s full €591,712 investment enabled community centres, trails, youth spaces, cultural initiatives, business growth, tourism, and rural environmental projects, creating lasting assets for families and enterprises.
Through SICAP, CLDC tackled social exclusion with personalised guidance, training, and group programmes per the Clare Local Economic and Community Plan. Activation initiatives like Tús and Rural Social Scheme provided work experience and community enhancements via caretaking and green works, complemented by childcare and inclusion efforts for stronger Clare communities.
Specific examples highlight direct community value, including CLDC ownership of key assets like the Circular Shop in Ennis & Cairde Beag Childcare in Kilrush.
Key Project Examples
A flavour of the broad nature of CLDC’s work can be seen through some of the following funded or managed initiatives over 2025 and previous years:
2025
€24,876 was invested in the Irish Aerial Creation Centre Community Engagement Project, supporting innovative arts-based community engagement in County Clare.
€42,155 funded an Inclusive Playground at Kilmurry Ibrickane Community Centre, improving accessible play and recreation for local children and families.
€36,125 supported the Clonlara Wellness Hub, enhancing community health, fitness, and social connection facilities in Clonlara.
€24,740 backed the Chocolate Visitor Experience at Hazel Mountain Chocolate, developing a new visitor offer to boost rural tourism and local jobs.
€10,718 enabled the purchase of equipment for McTigue Sculptors Ltd, supporting creative enterprise and rural craft production.
€12,000 + €14,000 (two claims totalling €26,000) supported the Water and Land Citizen Science Training Programme, building local capacity to monitor and protect Clare’s natural environment.
€11,250 funded Training in establishing or enhancing Social Enterprises, helping communities develop sustainable, impact-focused local businesses.
In addition the Rural Recreation/ Walks Scheme saw a €283,000 spend, while the Rural Social Scheme amounted to €2,159, 711 in spending last year.
Sample of Projects Pre-2025
LEADER-Funded Infrastructure: Crusheen Community Centre redevelopment (€80,000), Ogonnelloe Community Centre upgrade (€50,000), Kilmihil People’s Park green area development (€50,000), Inagh Playground (€40,785), Kilkee Outdoor Fitness Trail (€5,000).
Youth and Recreation: New Scout Hall for Ennis Scouts (€100,000), Glebe House rural youth aspect (€120,000), Kilkishen Handball Club alley upgrades (€33,100), West Coast Surf Club Junior Surf League (€5,900).
Enterprise and Tourism: Burren Creatives Hub (The Gentian Press, €121,951), Shannon Aviation Museum expansion (€149,063), Loop Head Video and Marketing Academy (€59,952), North Clare Sea Kayaking expansion (€10,698).
Sustainability and Environment: Renewables installation at Glebe House (€120,830), Waters of Life clean waterways project in East Clare (partnership targeting invasive species for biodiversity), Clare Community Garden Network.
Social Inclusion and Training: Clare Social Enterprise Network Conference, Traditional Skills Training Days, Connecting Clare Communities mentoring programme.
CLDC-Owned Assets
CLDC directly manages community enterprises that deliver ongoing value:
Circular Shop, Ennis: Promotes sustainable reuse and local circular economy.
Cairde Beag Childcare, Kilrush: Provides essential early years supports under community childcare programme.
Glebe House: Hosts rural youth activities alongside energy upgrades.
These projects span rural tourism, social enterprise, youth facilities, environmental restoration, and childcare, illustrating CLDC’s integrated approach to resilient communities.