Search

CLÁR

A funding scheme for small scale infrastructural projects in CLÁR zones; rural areas that have suffered significant levels of population decline.

Applications for the 2025 CLÁR programme are now closed

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, launched the €11 m CLÁR 2025 programme in April 2025.

The deadline for submission of Expression of Interests was Thursday 15th May by midnight.

‌‌‌A Webinar on the 2025 CLÁR scheme in association with the Galway County Public Participation Network (PPN) is being planned, date to be confirmed.‌‌

What is CLÁR?

CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a funding scheme for small scale infrastructural projects in CLÁR areas - certain rural areas that have suffered significant levels of population decline. Up to fifteen applications may be shortlisted annually for the CLÁR programme, for a maximum of €50,000 per project at a rate of 90% funding (10% match funding).

What does CLÁR fund?

The 2025 programme will be delivered through 3 separate Measures as follows:

  • Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities
  • Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care, Community First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport
  • Measure 3:‘Our living Islands’

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.  The list below provides an indication of the types of projects that may be supported, but is not exhaustive:

  • Small scale renovation works to community facilities open to the wider community such as community centres/sports centres/clubhouses of sporting groups/youth centres/mens sheds. This includes external works such as parking and accessibility enhancements.
  • Multi-Use Gaming Areas (MUGAs)/Astro-Turf facilities including upgrades
  • Playgrounds/Skateboard parks/Pump tracks/Cycling tracks/ teenage spaces.
  • 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 and changing 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

Note: Applications for Measures 2 and 3 must be made directly to the Dept. of Rural and Community Development. Please see gov.ie - CLÁR-Funding for Small-Scale Rural Projects (www.gov.ie) for further information.

Any facilities funded must be available to the public without a requirement to be a member of a club, enrolled in a school etc. In particular facilities on school grounds must be open to the public outside of school hours e.g., during the evenings, weekends, and school holidays.

Am I in a CLÁR area?

You can view the CLÁR area boundaries on the map below.


CLÁR information guides and approved 2024 projects

Contact us

‌The Rural Development Unit at Galway County Council can be contacted for general queries or to set up a time to discuss your proposal.

Phone numbers

Mobile