Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced €12.3 million in funding for 206 community projects under the 2025 CLÁR programme during a visit to Kiltimagh Knock United soccer club in County Mayo. The club will receive just over €50,000 to build a new two-bay spectator stand. This latest allocation forms part of a broader effort to support rural and island communities across Ireland, enhancing local sports clubs, playgrounds, walking tracks, astro-turf pitches, community centres, and other amenities.
Projects funded under this round of the CLÁR programme span multiple counties. In County Clare, Bridge Celtic AFC and Bridgetown national school will receive €100,000 for a new astro-turf pitch. County Cork’s Newmarket Sports & Leisure will use €100,000 to resurface the trail in Island Wood. In County Galway, €49,808 has been allocated for a playground at Inis Meáin community centre. Clare Island in County Mayo will benefit from €22,958 for a generator at its community centre, while Drumshanbo in County Leitrim will receive €99,671 for upgrades to the Sliabh an Iarainn visitor centre. County Monaghan’s Currin GFC will get €100,000 for a community gym and spectator stand, and County Sligo’s Ballintogher will receive €100,000 to refurbish its playground. Tinahely in County Wicklow will also benefit from €100,000 for a new community gym.
Minister Calleary highlighted the significance of the CLÁR programme in strengthening rural communities, particularly in remote areas and Gaeltacht regions. He emphasized that the funding supports a wide range of services for residents of all ages while contributing to vibrant, resilient local communities. This year’s allocation brings total funding under the programme to €14 million, marking the highest since CLÁR’s reintroduction in 2016.
The 2025 CLÁR programme targets rural areas experiencing significant depopulation, supporting small-scale capital projects through collaboration between local authorities, community groups, and other organisations. The current funding round covers Measure 1, focused on developing community facilities and amenities, and Measure 3, dedicated to projects on Ireland’s offshore islands. Earlier funding under Measure 2, which supports mobility, cancer care, community first responder services, and Meals on Wheels transport, was announced previously. The programme spans numerous counties, ensuring equitable investment in rural infrastructure and community development.
