Six rural communities in Galway have been awarded more than €250,000 in funding from the CLÁR programme for play areas and safety measures.
The CLÁR funding was announced this week by Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring as part of €3.8 million being allocated to support 104 projects nationwide.
CLÁR provides funding for small infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered high levels of rural depopulation.
All of the projects which have received funding this week have qualified under Measures 1 & 2 of the programme.
Measure 1 of the programme includes support for the provision of footpaths, public lighting, pedestrian crossings, speed safety signs and car parking facilities.
Measure 2 supports the construction of new playgrounds and Multi Use Games Areas, as well as the upgrade of existing playgrounds and equipment in many communities.
The Galway projects which have received funding are:
- St. Jarlath’s N.S. – Footpath and car parking facilities – €39,600
- Cleggan/Claddaghduff Community Council – Street lighting and footpath – €50,000
- Browngrove N.S. – Car parking and safety measures – €50,000
- St. Colman’s Park Trustees, Gort – Footpath and public lighting – €45,000
- Coiste Pobail Charna – Extension of footpath – €29,700
- Killererin Development Co. Ltd – Provision of new playground – €50,000
In total, the funding awarded to rural communities in Galway this week comes to €264,300.
“We must remember that the communities themselves have fundraised and worked alongside their Local Authorities to put forward these initiatives, and the CLÁR programme is ideally placed to reward that collaborative spirit,” Michael Ring said.
“I am delighted in my role as Minister for Rural and Community Development to be able to contribute in a positive way to the efforts of these communities to make their towns and villages more attractive places for families to live and settle, in line with the aims of the programme.”
“The projects announced today will help improve safety around schools and within the wider community. They also provide children within the community a place to explore and develop through play.”
