Grants/Funding Schemes

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 24^th 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 24^th 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 5^th 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 19^th June 2024.

The funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in communities, towns and villages that are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants (‘new arrivals’) including towns identified for the rapid build homes programme. The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community. It is separate in its objectives and scope to any other public funding streams which aim to support the development of public service needs arising from the significant number of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.

The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Based on the continued impacts on communities throughout the country and the need to support these communities in welcoming new arrivals, a further €50 million is being provided under the Community Recognition Fund 2024.

 

Monaghan County Council has received an allocation of €914,972.

 We now seek to identify suitable projects and invite suggestions from the community regarding same.  

The proposal must demonstrate that the funding is targeted at, and specifically invested in, those communities, villages and towns where the highest level of new arrivals are located and where there is a clear need for investment identified.  In Monaghan the areas with the highest number of new arrivals from Ukraine and other countries are: Monaghan, Carrickmacross, Clones and Ballybay.

 

Projects situated in areas that do not have high levels of new arrivals will not be eligible for funding under the Community Recognition Fund 2024.

Projects to be funded will be capital in nature, deliver medium-long term benefits for the communities in which they are located, and be capable of being delivered over the course of 2025 and 2026. A minimum spend of 50% of the allocation must be incurred in 2025. Eligible projects will receive funding for capital costs, but not for any ongoing operational or running costs.

 

The minimum level of funding for an individual project is €50,000 with a maximum of €500,000 applying. Smaller projects cannot be artificially combined to meet the minimum threshold of €50,000 – while the 2023 scheme provided funding for small scale investment in clubs and communities (e.g. for small scale equipment), the focus of the 2024 scheme is on projects of greater scale and impact.

Local authorities have scope to invest the funding based on their own distinct local needs as identified through a “bottom-up” approach and based on the community engagement.

 

Type of projects eligible for funding are:

• development, enhancement or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities including play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens, allotments, and recreational areas;
• development, enhancement or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities including facilities such as community swimming pools, changing rooms, toilets, digital aids such as score / information boards etc.;
• enhancement to school/parish facilities which are open to use by all of the community after school hours;
• purchase of equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations e.g. music, arts or sports equipment;
• transport infrastructure such as the purchase of community vehicles, bus shelters and attendant information boards; (any vehicle funded must be in good condition and not more than 5 years old)
• projects that help address dereliction and/or wider local economic and community development objectives;
• purchase and refurbishment of vacant or derelict buildings for community use where a clear need is identified.
• Purchase of land and associated works for the development of community facilities such as play areas/ MUGAs or town parks/ community gardens, recreational areas etc. (purchases must only be administered by the local authority).

 

Application Process

• 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.

• Only towns & villages that are hosting high levels of the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection or International Protection Applicants are eligible for this funding.

• Ensure accurate costings at application stage.

• Projects must be able to be completed within the required timeframe.

 

APPLICATION FORM COMMUNITY RECOGNITION FUND 2024

Community Recognition Fund 2024 Scheme Outline

 

• Projects should be shovel ready with all permissions in place or at an advanced stage at the time of funding approval. 50% of project costs must be incurred in 2025 with the project completed in full by October 2026. 

• 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 crf@monaghancoco.ie by 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday 1st May 2024.

 

Information Sessions

As part of the process, the Council’s Rural and Community Development & Municipal District Staff will be liaising with and available to meet with community groups in host communities to assist them in identifying projects that might be eligible for funding under the Scheme.

Information Sessions will be held on the following dates:

• Clones – Monday 15^th April 2024 from 4.30 p.m. until 6.30 p.m. in the offices of the Municipal District of Ballybay/Clones, The Diamond, Clones
• Carrickmacross – Tuesday 16^th April 2024 from 6.00 p.m. until 8.00 p.m. in the offices of the Municipal District of Carrickmacross/Castleblayney, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross
• Monaghan – Wednesday 17^h April 2024 from 5.00 p.m. until 7.00 p.m. in the Market House, Market Street, Monaghan
• Ballybay – Thursday 18^th April 2024 from 6.30 p.m. until 8.30 p.m. in the Board Room, Ballybay Youth Centre, Birch Court, Ballybay

 

Please ensure that you have fully completed the application form before submitting.

All Expressions of Interest applications should be received no later than 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday 1^st May 2024 by email to crf@monaghancoco.ie

Late application’s will not be considered after the closing date.

 

 

 

Monaghan County Council is committed to supporting local communities to promote, enhance and develop their local area and increase social inclusion activity.

This commitment is supported by the Community Development Funding Scheme 2024:

2.  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDING SCHEME 2024 

Eligible projects include

• enhancement of local community facilities/amenities
• projects which encourage community participation and engagement (e.g training, PROGRAMMES and equipment)
• NOT FOR PROFIT FESTIVALS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
• PROJECTS THAT PROMOTE DIVERSITY and INCLUSIVENESS

Please note a maximum of one application can be made by any individual group.

Applications can be made online at:

(now closed)

 

For queries or assistance, please contact:

Community Development Scheme

By contacting Community Development on 047 – 73750 or email communityfund@monaghancoco.ie

 

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS WAS 4pm FRIDAY 1^st MARCH 2024 – Now Closed

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Privacy Notice

 

 

Monaghan County Council is committed to supporting local communities to promote, enhance and develop their local area and increase social inclusion activity.

This commitment is supported by the Environment Services Funding Scheme 2024:

1.	Environmental services Funding SCHEME 2024
	ELIGIBLE PROJECTS include ·        MAINTENANCE SUPPORT ACTIVITIES INCLUDING LITTER CONTROL ·        MAINTENANCE OF OPEN SPACES AND PUBLIC PARKS ·        ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC SPACES.

 

Please note a maximum of one application can be made by any individual group.

 

Applications can be made online at: (closed now)

 Or can be downloaded and returned to Environmental Services.

Guidelines on criteria and application forms are also available:

Environment Fund Guidelines 2024

 

For queries or assistance, please contact:

Environmental Funding Scheme

By contacting Environmental Services on 042 – 9661240 or email environmentfund@monaghancoco.ie

 

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS WAS 4pm FRIDAY 1^st MARCH 2024 – Closed

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

GDPR Environmental Community Development Fund 2024

 

 

                                                               

Monaghan County Council wishes to invite expressions of interest from groups and organisations working within the community and voluntary sectors under the PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan.

This is a small Capital Programme aimed at developing and enhancing areas or buildings across the County to upgrade to a higher standard to increase usage, with the aim of improving cross-community relations and community cohesion.  Projects up to a maximum capital value of €50,000 (inc. consultancy fees) will be considered.

Successful groups will be required to deliver an activity plan inclusive of all community backgrounds.

To request an expression of interest form and guidance notes please email peaceplus@monaghancoco.ie

Completed forms should be returned no later than 12 noon Monday 29th January 2024.

PEACEPLUS is supported by the European Union, the UK Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced a major €16 million fund to support outdoor recreation projects.

The 2023 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) will see the development of natural amenities such as our mountains, lakes, beaches, bogs, walkways, greenways and blueways and will place a particular focus on developing amenities for adventure tourism in rural Ireland.

The funding is aimed at supporting outdoor recreation tourism, a growing tourism sector internationally, which has the potential to have major economic spin-off benefits for our rural towns and villages as well as improving the health and well-being of rural communities.

Monaghan County Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for projects under all measures;

• Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing – grant up to €30,000
• Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity Development – grant up to €200,000
• Measure 3: Strategic Large-Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategic Trail/Amenity Development projects – grant up to €500,000
• Project Development Measures – will provide funding for the detailed development of projects which would enable them to reach a standard for application under Measure 2 or 3 of ORIS – grant up to €50,000

As set out in the scheme details, projects with evidence of strong community engagement will be prioritised.  Where a project requires planning permission, this must be in place in advance of an application being submitted.

Projects should be located mainly in the countryside and not in the environs of a town or village unless the proposed project is linking a town or village into the countryside.

As in previous years, the scheme does not include sporting activities which take place in the countryside on confined courses or pitches specifically designed and constructed for those events e.g., golf, football, show jumping, motorised activities etc.

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

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

 

All expressions of interest must be submitted in WORD Format to oris@monaghancoco.ie by 4.00 p.m. on Monday 10^th July 2023 to allow sufficient time for applications to be prepared and finalised.

 

MEASURE 1 APPLICATION FORM (WORD DOC)

MEASURE 2 3 APPLICATION FORM (WORD DOC)

ORIS SCHEME OUTLINE 2023 (PDF)

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT MEASURE APPLICATION FORM (PDF)