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CLÁR Scheme

CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered significant levels of population decline. 

The CLÁR Funding Scheme is available to areas of population decline in County Clare as defined in the CLÁR area map and in the list of CLÁR Electoral Districts

The CLÁR Scheme is closed for 2025

CLÁR 2025 Measure 1: Developing community facilities & amenities

Who can apply?

Expressions of Interest are welcome from:

  • Schools (where facilities are open to the public outside school hours)
  • Community and voluntary groups
  • Local development companies
  • Sporting organisations (if the proposed facility benefits the wider community)

Types of projects supported

Eligible projects must relate to a single facility and may include:

  • Renovation or upgrade of community centres, youth hubs, men’s sheds, or sports clubhouses
  • Outdoor recreational facilities (playgrounds, pump tracks, walking/running tracks, MUGAs, astro-turf)
  • Community/sensory gardens, allotments, biodiversity planting
  • Outdoor gyms, community cinemas, accessibility enhancements, solar bins
  • Car parking and enhanced changing/toilet facilities

Note: All facilities must be accessible to the public and accommodate all ages and abilities.

Funding available

  • Grant Range: €5,000 – €65,000 (up to €100,000 for two larger projects per Local Authority)
  • Match Funding: A minimum of 10% must be provided by the applicant or philanthropic sources
  • Funding Rate: Up to 90% of total eligible project cost

Project requirements

  • Located in a designated CLÁR area
  • Must be shovel-ready (permissions, match funding, and ownership/lease in place)
  • Owned or held on a 15-year lease
  • Publicly accessible without membership or appointments
  • Project must be maintained and operational for at least 5 years

Ineligible projects

  • Road and pedestrian safety measures (e.g. footpaths, crossings)
  • School-only facilities, bus shelters, CCTV, or road markings

How to apply

This scheme is closed for 2025

For queries or support, please contact: Email: CLAR@clarecoco.ie

Page last reviewed: 30/05/25

Content managed by: Rural and Community

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