CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) Scheme

The CLÁR Scheme 2025 has been launched by the Department of Rural and Community Development. This scheme makes provision for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. It promotes sustainable development, and it aims to attract people to live and work in the areas it covers. The closing date for receipt of completed project application forms is Friday 09th May 2025.

The CLÁR Programme allocation has increased from €8.7 million to €11 million in 2025, which will cover the following Measures:

Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities.

Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport.

Measure 3: “Our Living Islands”.

Measure 1 is administered through the local authority and can be applied for by the local authority in consultation with groups in local communities.
Measure 2 & 3 applications are to be submitted directly to the Department by the applicant. Information and forms are available on their website gov.ie - CLÁR-Funding for Small-Scale Rural Projects.

Measure 1:

The updated Measure 1 will support a variety of capital projects that contribute to the enhancement of existing, and/or the development of new, accessible Community Recreation Facilities. All community facilities and 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 interventions 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/men’s sheds etc. 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/ outdoor bowling areas
• Community gyms/community cinemas
• Sensory gardens/Community gardens/ allotments/ biodiversity planting
• Access to unique local heritage sites / areas of natural beauty
• Enhanced 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

In Ireland, a whole-of-Government approach has been adopted for implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). CLÁR applicants are requested to identify and list in their application the SDGs are being delivered through their proposed project. This can be up to a maximum of 3 SDGs. Further information on the SDGs can be found on irelandsdg.geohive.ie.

The “2025 CLAR Measure 1 Scheme Outline” details the types of allowable interventions, possible funding amounts, and match funding requirements.

Please submit completed Measure 1 project application forms to the relevant Municipal District Office before or on Friday 09th May 2025, so that they may be considered. These forms will be accepted in MS Word format only.

Contact Details: