Cork community projects to get over €600,000 from Clár

More than €650,000 in funding has been awarded to 11 community projects in Cork under the 2025 Clár Programme.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced €12.3m in funding to support community projects nationwide recently under the programme, with €651,176 allocated to projects across Cork county.

Projects awarded funding include €100,000 for the resurfacing of a trail in Island Wood for the Newmarket Sports and Leisure group; €83,695 to upgrade pitch lighting at Gabriel Rangers GAA Club in Ballydehob; €65,000 to Durrus and District Community Council for a playground upgrade; and €46,247 for walkway lighting at Kilmichael GAA Club in Macroom.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Mary Linehan Foley said she welcomes this “significant investment from The 2025 Clár Programme, as it allows us to both enhance existing facilities and create new amenities that benefit the communities of towns and villages across the county of Cork.”

Fianna Fáil Cork South West TD, Christopher O’Sullivan said the programme provides “vital support in some of our most remote rural areas.”

“This round of funding will provide amenities that can be enjoyed by entire communities, young and old,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“Each of these projects make enormous contributions to the people who live in and visit these areas.”

The majority of projects awarded in this round came under Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities and Amenities, with €50,000 allocated to Cape Clear for the installation of a grid bank of batteries to be charged by solar power under Measure 3: Our Living Islands.

Funding under Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care, Community First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport, was announced earlier this year.

Mr Calleary said the funding awarded to each project helps to build “strong, resilient and vibrant communities through the enhancement of existing community facilities and the provision of new amenities to support young and old across a range of services”.

“These projects will no doubt make a valuable contribution to the people who live in and visit these communities,” said Mr Calleary.

“I have now allocated €14m to projects under Clár this year — the highest allocation since the scheme was reintroduced in 2016.

“The funding continues to grow as we see the huge impact this funding has in our rural areas.”