South Westmeath communities encouraged to apply for CLÁR funding
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, has welcomed the opening of the 2025 CLÁR Programme and is encouraging local communities across South Westmeath to apply for funding.
The CLÁR Programme, which supports small-scale infrastructure projects in rural areas, will see a record €11 million allocated this year - the highest level of funding since the scheme was reintroduced in 2016. The programme is designed to make rural communities more resilient and improve quality of life through investment in local facilities and transport services.
“This is a hugely important funding stream for rural communities, and I strongly encourage local groups in Westmeath to consider applying.
“Since 2016, over €1.5 million in CLÁR funding has been invested in Westmeath - supporting projects like playground upgrades in Rathowen and Kilbeggan, and traffic calming in Streete. This year’s expanded scheme gives us a real opportunity to build on that success," Minister Burke said.
The 2025 programme includes key measures, such as:
Support for community facilities and amenities, such as sports grounds, youth clubs, playgrounds, sensory gardens and walking tracks. The maximum grant under this measure has increased from €50,000 to €65,000, with a new option for local authorities to apply for up to €100,000 for two larger-scale projects.
Community transport supports, including vehicles for cancer care transport, community first responders, meals on wheels, and transport for people with reduced mobility.
Minister Burke said the increased funding reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening rural Ireland.
“Our rural communities have shown incredible resilience in recent years, and the CLÁR programme is about backing that resilience with real, tangible investment. Whether it’s a local GAA club upgrading its facilities or a voluntary group improving transport for older people, this funding can make a lasting difference," the Minister stated
Since the CLÁR Programme re-launched in 2016, over 84 million has been allocated to more than 2,700 projects nationwide.