Local projects receive €580,172 CLÁR funding allocation
By Rebekah O'Reilly
A total of €580,172 in CLÁR Measure 1 funding has been allocated to local projects across Westmeath, Roscommon and Longford, it was announced today (November 28) by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD.
With today’s announcement, more than €14 million has now been allocated under the CLÁR Programme this year, the highest annual amount since the scheme was reintroduced in 2016.
In Westmeath, the allocations include €65,000 for upgrade works at Ballymore Community Centre, while €28,800 has been approved for a community and sensory seating area at Nancy to Nelly, a project led by Westmeath County Council in partnership with the Fore Heritage Group.
Kilbeggan Shamrocks GAA will receive €54,000 for pitch upgrade works and the refurbishment of toilets, and €100,000 has been designated for the creation of a new cycle track by Streamstown Tidy Village in conjunction with Westmeath County Council.
Further Westmeath funding includes €65,000 for upgrade works at St. Oliver's Hall in Moyvore, €40,005 for solar bins for the Mullingar/Kinnegad Municipal District, and €37,350 for repair works at Mayne Church, delivered by Westmeath County Council and the Coole Development Group.
An additional €44,550 has been allocated for cemetery upgrade works at Lacken through Westmeath Cemetery and Lacken Parish Council, and €36,000 has been provided for community centre upgrade works by Rathowen Community Development.
In Roscommon, Taughmaconnell Skyvalley Rovers have been awarded €65,000 to refurbish the club’s astroturf pitch. In Longford, Ballymahon AFC will receive €44,467 for the replacement of fencing and the purchase of a new grass-pitch mower.
Longford-Westmeath Robert Troy TD said the funding will help to create 'safer and more accessible spaces' and 'make a real difference in people’s lives'.
“It helps us create strong, resilient, and vibrant communities where families can thrive, young people can grow and stay close to home, and local clubs and schools can continue to flourish,” he said.
“Initiatives like this demonstrate the real impact that can be achieved when communities, local representatives, and government work together to deliver positive, lasting change.”
Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran described the funding as a 'real boost for local communities'.
“It will support clubs, centres, and voluntary groups who work tirelessly to improve facilities and create opportunities for people of all ages. I am delighted to see such a strong spread of investment across the constituency, ensuring that both towns and rural areas benefit.”