CLÁR 2024

CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd Riachtanais) or Funding for Small-Scale Rural Projects is a targeted investment programme which provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered the greatest levels of population decline.

The 2024 CLÁR Scheme is now open to applications

The Measures being funded under the 2024 CLÁR Programme are:

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

Measure 1 applications can be made online to Mayo County Council on the Consult platform from 9am on Friday 19th April. A link to the online application form is available here. A guide to creating an account on the Consult platform is available here.

The closing date for submission of applications through the online portal is 3pm on Wednesday, 15 May, 2024.

Applications for Measure 2 and Measure 3 should be made directly to the Department of Rural and Community Development using the following application forms: Measure 2 Application Form and Measure 3 Application Form. Application forms should be emailed to CLAR@drcd.gov.ie by 5th June 2024 for Measure 2 applications and by 19th June 2024 for Measure 3 applications. Further information is available here.

Rate of Aid:

A minimum grant of €5,000 and maximum grant of €50,000 will apply to Measure 1. The scheme will provide up to 90% of the cost. The remaining 10% or balance of the cost must be provided through local authority/community/other resources. Philanthropic contributions will be accepted as full or part of match funding costs. This funding must be in place at the time of application. Please note that match funding cannot come from other DRCD Schemes.

Eligible Projects:

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. 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 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

The Measure 1 Scheme Outline is available here and applicants should familiarise themselves with this and with the Terms & Conditions on the application form before completing an application.

Applicants will be required to enter Irish Transverse Mercator (ITM) co-ordinates for the proposed project. A simple guide to how to find a location's XY ITM co-ordinates is available here.

A map showing areas (EDs) of Co. Mayo that are eligible under the CLÁR scheme is available here and a list of eligible Electoral Divisions including ID numbers is available here. (You will be required to enter your Electoral Division ID number when completing the application form.)

Please contact the Community & Integrated Development section at community@mayococo.ie with any queries or call 094 9064660.