Over €650,000 in Clár funding allocated to 15 projects in rural communities

Over €650,000 in funding for 15 projects in Cork has been announced under the 2024 Clár programme.

The projects range from the refurbishment of playgrounds to the development of a running track and the renovation of scenic river and woodland walk paths.

Clár is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in designated rural areas.

The investment of over €11.4m nationally, announced by Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys, represents one of the largest allocations under the Clár programme to date.

In Cork, under the latest tranche of funding, a total of €656,927 has been allocated.

Successful projects include funding for the refurbishment of playgrounds in Union Hall and Skibbereen; funding for Conna-based St Catherine’s Athletics Club to develop a four-lane sprint running track, high jump, and long jump; and funding to renovate scenic river and woodland walk paths sought by Kilcorney Angling and Leisure Group.

Ms Humphreys said a total of 264 projects will be funded by the latest allocation.

She said the projects 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,” said Ms Humphreys.

“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.”

Ms Humphreys commended local groups in their efforts to progress the projects.

“You are the people who have spearheaded these projects from day one, projects that will leave a lasting difference on your communities for years to come.

“I very much look forward to hearing about and indeed visiting some of these projects in the years ahead and indeed meeting the people who have made these projects a reality,” she said.

The latest funding announcement builds on the €2.1m announced in September to support community groups through the provision of mobility, cancer care, meals on wheels, and community first responders transport.