Donegal groups are being urged to apply for a new stream of funding for community and sports facilities under the 2024 CLÁR programme.
Today the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, announced €8.7 million will be available for projects nationwide.
As part of the initiative, grants of up to €50,000 will be provided to support the renovation and upgrade of community centres, parish halls, GAA clubhouses, youth facilities and more.
There will be a big focus on supporting the development of outdoor projects such as playgrounds, sensory gardens, astroturf pitches, walking tracks, skateparks and community allotments.
A recent feature of the CLÁR Programme is the investment in upgrades and improvements to spectator stands at local GAA and sports clubs.
Funding is being extended to support Meals on Wheels organisations, with support once again being provided to deliver community transport such as mobility and cancer care vehicles. Projects on offshore island communities will once again be supported under the initiative.
“The €8.7 million in funding that I am announcing today will make such a positive difference in so many different parts of the country,” Minister Humphreys said.
“There is a renewed focus this year on supporting renovations and upgrades to the likes of community centres and parish halls, as well as clubhouses, youth facilities and much more.
“I’m once again encouraging applications with an outdoor focus – I want to see us support the development of playgrounds, astroturfs, sensory gardens, walking and running tracks, skateparks and community allotments.
“And there is funding also being provided for improvements to spectator stands in sports stadiums, which I know will be of particular appeal to the GAA community.”
The measures open under the CLÁR 2024 programme are as follows;
- Measure 1 – Community Facilities and Amenities (administered by the local authorities in consultation with local communities)
- Measure 2 – Mobility, Cancer Care, Community First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport
- Measure 3 – Our Islands
Measure 2 and Measure 3 will be administered directly by my Department.
Full details are available on www.gov.ie/drcd
