The expansion of the Clár funding programme will see more areas locally now eligible.
Minister Dara Calleary this morning revealed 110 additional areas across the country will be included (details here).
Borris, Clonegal, Hacketstown and Leighlinbridge make the list for Carlow with Ballyragget, Castlecomer, Freshford, Goresbridge, Johnstown and Urlingford among the Kilkenny spots.
Minister of State at the Department of Health Jennifer Murnane O’Connor; “I warmly welcome this announcement from my colleague, Minister Dara Calleary, which is a significant boost to rural communities. There was a commitment made in the Programme for Government to expand CLAR areas and I’m delighted that four additional areas in Co Carlow have now been included, adding to the existing areas of south Co Carlow such as Ballymurphy, Glynn and Garryhill.”
Leas Ceann Comhairle and Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow–Kilkenny John McGuinness says “I very much welcome the expansion of the CLÁR programme to include a number of additional towns and villages across Carlow and Kilkenny. These communities are vibrant and active but, like many rural areas, they face particular challenges when it comes to accessing funding for vital local projects. The inclusion of these areas in the CLÁR programme will open the door to important supports that can make a real difference on the ground.”
Party and Dáil colleague Deputy Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere notes; “The CLÁR programme provides vital support to rural communities across the country, delivering essential funding for projects that help bring communities together. The inclusion of the likes of Ballyragget, Freshford and Goresbridge in Kilkenny, and Borris, Leighlinbridge, and Clonegal in Carlow are among the locations now eligible for funding means more communities across Carlow/Kilkenny can apply for support for local projects and community amenities. This will help ensure these communities have access to the same infrastructure and facilities that are available in urban areas. The wide range of projects that can be supported under CLÁR continues to be one of the programme’s key strengths, and today’s announcement will be welcome news for many rural communities.”
