CLÁR 2025 - Measure 1
CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in areas that experience disadvantage (see attached map of CLÁR areas). The aim of CLÁR is to support the sustainable development of identified CLÁR areas, with the aim of attracting people to live and work there. The types of projects that may be supported include:
- 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
The 2025 CLÁR Programme is now open for applications. Louth County Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for projects under Measure 1*. Under this measure:
- The minimum grant available is €5,000.
- The maximum grant level has increased from €50,000 to €65,000, with a new option this year to apply for funding of up to €100,000 for larger scale projects (only two per Local Authority).
- The scheme will provide up to 90% of the cost. The remaining 10%, or balance of the cost, must be provided in cash through local authority/community/other resources. Philanthropic contributions will be accepted as full or part of match funding costs. This funding must be in place at the time of application.
- Projects approved for funding must be capable of being delivered within an 18-month timeframe.
Please note that the deadline dates for submission of Expressions of Interest to Louth County Council are different to the application deadline dates indicated by the Department of Rural and Community Development on the Scheme Outline. The reason for this is that the Expressions of Interest must be reviewed by Louth County Council before submission to the Department of Rural and Community Development for further consideration.