Eight community projects in Laois have been awarded almost €320,000 in the latest Clár funding announcement made by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys today.
Community projects in Trumera, Ballaghmore, Ballypiclas, Raheen, Mayo NS (near Crettyard), Errill, Kilbricken (near Mountrath) and Camross have been awarded amounts ranging from €14,780 to €50,000.
Among the projects being funded are sensory areas, playgrounds, games areas and an indoor stage area and sound and lighting facilities.
Details of successful project in Laois are:
- Gaelscoil Shlí Dála: Construction of sensory play garden €50,000
- Trumera Community Hall Committee: Installation of a community playground €50,000
- BallypickasGAA: Installation of multi-use games area and natural playground €49,950
- Tobar an Leinn NS, Raheen: Installation of a sensory play garden €50,000
- Errill Vision Group :Remodel the stage area of Errill Community Hall and provide lighting, sound and dressing areas €50,000
- Scoil Mhuire Mayo NS: Installation of surrounding fencing, ball stop nets and MUGA equipment and steel shed €26,775
- Laois Nore Way Committee: Installation of Kilbricken Sensory Picnic Garden €26,100
- Camross Community Association: Development of a riverside amphitheatre €14,780
Today’s announcement relates to Measure 1 of the CLÁR Programme which was to Develop Community Facilities and Amenities.
A total of €7.4 million was awarded to 175 projects across the country.
£Sports Clubs, Schools and Community Groups received grants of up to €50,000 to develop a wide and diverse range of community facilities which will benefit people of all ages in our local communities,” said Laois-Offaly TD and Minister of State Sean Fleming.
“CLÁR Funding is targeted at specific rural areas where over a long period of time there has been a population decline. This is a measure to help rural development in these areas.
“Our Rural Future represents the Irish Government’s blueprint for a post-COVID-19 recovery and development of rural Ireland and I am very pleased to see these Laois Projects being successful in their applications for funding.
“Well done to all involved in these successful applications and I look forward to works commencing as soon as possible so local the local communties can enjoy the benefts of these projects.”
“Recent census results demonstrate that there are now more people living and working in Laois than ever before, which is extremely positive,” added Deputy Charlie Flanagan.
“Fine Gael have always prioritised sustainable rural development to allow people live, work and grow old in their own communities.
“Last year, Government launched our most ambitious rural development policy in decades, and ‘Our Rural Future’ is already having big impact in communities up and down the country including in Laois.”
Deputy Flanagan added: “I want to congratulate all of the successful applicants and I wish them the best of luck in carrying out these works which will make our rural communities here in Laois even more attractive places to live, work and raise a family.
“In view of the hugely positive response from communities, the government is exploring the possibility of providing further funding for a second tranche of projects under CLAR and I hope to news on this in the near future.”
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