The Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has announced almost €9 million in funding has been allocated to community and sports facilities nationwide under the 2024 CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) programme. This funding will support hundreds of projects with a particular focus on areas that have experienced significant levels of population decline. Grants of up to €50,000 will be provided to support the development of community and sports facilities, youth clubs, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks and much more.
CLÁR 2024 Measures
One Measure under the 2024 CLÁR programme is being delivered through Limerick City and County Council:
Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities and Amenities.
Limerick City and County Council invites applications from Schools/Community Groups and Local Development Companies in respect of Measure 1 for projects within the designated CLÁR areas. Community Groups can include local sporting organisations where the infrastructure supported is for the benefit of the community generally (not just the sporting organisation) and is made freely available to all members of the community without any additional restrictions or requirements being imposed.
Any community amenities funded must be open to the public without a requirement to be a member of a club, enrolled in a school etc. Facilities on school grounds must be open to the public outside of school hours e.g. evenings, weekends and school holidays.
Examples of projects that may be supported:
- Small scale renovation works to community centres
- 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 application form must clearly outline the need and rationale for the projects put forward.
Ineligible Projects
In the current 2024 scheme, the following projects will not be funded:
- School/Community Safety Measures*
- Footpaths
- Road markings
- Pedestrian crossings
- Bus shelters*
- Works to current school buildings which are not open to the public after school hours
- CCTV
*Funding for safety works at schools and the provision of footpaths etc. is available under both the Safe Routes to School Programme/the Active Travel Programme operated by the Department of Transport/TII.
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. 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.
Proof of Match Funding must be in place at the time of application.
Please note that match funding cannot come from other DRCD Schemes.
Applications for CLÁR 2024 Measure 1 are now closed.
A maximum of 15 applications, under Measure 1 can be shortlisted by Limerick City and County Council for onward submission to the Department of Rural and Community Development. It is important the project align with Our Rural Future, with the Climate Action Plan, with the relevant County Development Plan, with the Local Economic and Community Plan and/or other local or regional plans. Please click here for the Limerick County Development Plan 2022 - 2028.
Applications will be assessed by Limerick City and County Council for suitability based on the information outlined in the application. Limerick City and County Council request all interested parties to review the scheme outline and complete the relevant Project Application form.
Planning permission should be secured prior to application. If it is not secured, the planning reference number must be provided as evidence of an application being submitted
The Scheme Outline, Project Application forms, Map of Limerick CLÁR Areas, List of Limerick CLÁR Areas (Electoral Divisions) can be downloaded below or queries can be directed to CLAR@limerick.ie or by phone to 061-557199.
Apart from the above Measure being delivered through Limerick City and County Council, the Department of Rural and Community Development will be accepting applications directly, in respect of the following Measures:
Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport
Measure 3: ‘Our Islands’
Applications under Measures 2 and 3 should be submitted directly to the Department. Schemes Outlines and Application forms for Measures 2 and 3 are available here.
Completed Project Applications with supporting documentation, in respect of Measure 1, must be submitted to Limerick City and County Council by 4pm on Friday 7th of June.
By Email to (preferable): CLAR@limerick.ie
Or
By Post to:
CLÁR 2024
Urban and Rural Community Development
Community Development Directorate
Limerick City & County Council
Merchant’s Quay,
Limerick
V94 EH90
Closing Date will be Strictly Adhered to.
