CLÁR FUNDING SCHEME 2024

Posted on By niamhmurray

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD has launched the 2024 CLÁR Scheme.  CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population.

 CLÁR Programme for 2024

The 2024 CLÁR programme will be delivered through three separate Measures as follows:

Measure 1:                        Developing Community Facilities & Amenities

Measure 2:                        Mobility, Cancer Care, Community First Responders and Meals on Wheels Transport

Measure 3:                        ‘Our Islands’

 

Measure 1 – Developing Community Facilities & Amenities – Managed directly by Monaghan County Council

The maximum level of funding for any individual project is €50,000 and grant-funding is at a rate of 90% of total project costs.

Measure 1 will support a variety of capital projects provided that they contribute to the enhancement of existing, and/or the development of new, accessible Community Recreation Facilities.

All community amenities funded under this programme must, in so far as practicable, be accessible to all abilities and ages.

Types of Intervention eligible (this is not an exhaustive list):

  • Small scale renovation works to community facilities open to the wider community such as community centres/sports centres/clubhouses of sporting groups/youth centres/men’s sheds etc
  • Multi-Use Gaming Areas (MUGAs)/Astro-Turf facilities including upgrades
  • Playgrounds/Skateboard parks/Pump tracks/Cycling tracks
  • Walking/Running /Athletics tracks
  • Handball Alleys/Tennis Courts/Basketball Courts/Cricket Grounds
  • Community Gyms/Community Cinemas
  • Sensory Gardens/Community Gardens/ Allotments
  • Access to unique local heritage sites / areas of natural beauty
  • Outdoor Bowling Areas/Outdoor Toilet Facilities/Car Parking
  • Improving access at sports grounds e.g. development/upgrade of spectator stands at local sports grounds with a particular focus on improving access for people of all abilities and ages
  • Solar Bins
  • Biodiversity planting

 

CLÁR DED’s Monaghan

CLÁR Map – Monaghan

 

Grant Range €5,000 up to €50,000

Please contact Aisling Kierans, Community Development Section or your local Municipal District Office to discuss potential projects for submission to this scheme as early as possible:

  • Aisling Kierans, Community Development – 047 73707
  • Ballybay/Clones Municipal District Office – 047 51018
  • Carrickmacross/Castleblayney Municipal District Office – 042 9661236
  • Monaghan Municipal District Office – 047 73777

 

CLÁR 2024 Measure 1 – Expression of Interest Application Form

CLÁR 2024 Measure 1 Scheme Outline

 

Completed Expression of Interest for Measure 1 must be submitted in WORD format directly to Monaghan County Council by email, to clar@monaghancoco.ie   

Closing date for receipt of applications under Measure 1 to Monaghan County Council is 4.00 p.m. on Friday 24th May 2024.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

 

Application Process

  • Projects must be located in one of the designated CLÁR areas to be eligible for funding under this scheme (please see CLÁR Map for County Monaghan).
  • Applications can be submitted to Monaghan County Council from schools, community and voluntary groups and Local Development Companies under this Measure. Community groups can include local sporting organisations where the infrastructure being supported through the application is for the benefit of the community generally (not just the sporting organisation) and is made freely available to all members of the community.
  • Projects should be shovel ready with all permissions (such as planning) in place or at an advanced stage at the time of submission (Planning reference number must be provided).
  • Accurate and detailed costings must be submitted at application stage (provide a minimum of 2 quotes).
  • Evidence of match funding should be provided (recent bank statement).
  • Projects must be able to be completed within the required timeframe.
  • The proposed projects should be of sufficient quality, in line with the scheme outline, the County Development Pan/Town Plan, the Local Economic and Community Plan and the Climate Action Plan.
  • Evidence, were applicable, that ownership/minimum lease of 15 years is in place (provide proof of ownership/lease) and Letter of Consent from land/property owner confirming agreement to the works.
  • Evidence that the project will be open to the public without appointment, and necessary insurance is in place.
  • The funding allocation will be a competitive process, groups should endeavour to provide as much information as possible and to answer all parts of the application form fully.
  • All submissions are subject to the Data Protection Act (as amended) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (as amended) and the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (as amended).
  • Completed applications need to be emailed in WORD format to clar@monaghancoco.ie by 00 p.m. on Friday 24th May 2024.

 

Measure 2      Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders

This scheme will cover costs of a vehicle and/or the fit out of a vehicle where necessary.  The Department encourages the purchase of hybrid/electric vehicles where possible.

Between 80% and 90% funding available.

CLÁR 2024 Measure 2 Scheme Outline

CLÁR 2024 Measure 2 Application Form 

 Completed applications for Measure 2 should be emailed directly to the Department of Rural & Community Development at clar@drcd.gov.ie by Wednesday 5th June 2024.

Measure 3      ‘Our Islands’

  1. Island Community Transport – this measure will cover the cost of:
  • the purchase of hybrid/electric vehicles (and fit out, where necessary)
  • PV solar panels to be erected on community facilities which are generating electricity for a connected electric vehicle charging point. This must be in tandem with the purchase of a hybrid/electric vehicle.
  1. Community Amenities – This Measure will consider supports for the enhancement of existing and/or the development of new accessible community amenities. All community amenities funded under this programme must, in so far as practicable, be accessible to all abilities and ages.

Up to 90% funding available.

CLÁR 2024 Measure 3 Scheme Outline

CLÁR 2024 Measure 3 Application Form 

 Completed applications for Measure 3 should be emailed directly to the Department of Rural & Community Development at clar@drcd.gov.ie by Wednesday 19th June 2024.