Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today (Friday, November 20th) announced details of €340,000 in funding to support 45 projects in rural communities under the 2020 CLÁR programme.
The programme provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of population decline.
The funding announced by the Minister, which is being provided under Measure 3(a) of the CLÁR programme, will enable community-based organisations which deliver Meals on Wheels and linked services to purchase equipment and make adaptations to existing vehicles to support the provision of their services.
This is a new initiative under CLÁR for 2020 in recognition of the critical role played by community groups in responding to COVID-19, with a particular focus on those groups providing Meals on Wheels services.
Examples of some of the organisations include:
• The Melting Pot Community Society, Co Roscommon: €20,000
• West Kerry Care of the Aged, Co Kerry: €16,805
• Truagh Development Association, Co Monaghan: €14,000
• Glin Day Care Centre, Co Limerick: €12,282
• Skibbereen Geriatric Society, Co Cork: €16,000
Speaking today Minister Humphreys said:
I am delighted to announce funding of almost €340,000 under the CLÁR programme which will benefit 45 organisations across the country. These organisations are at the heart of our rural communities and are providing an invaluable service in areas that are often quite remote.
The support that we are providing to organisations in the provision of Meals on Wheels and linked services is of particular importance this year in light of the many challenges arising from COVID-19.
These organisations are an important lifeline for people living in their own homes, and they play an important role in combating rural isolation for many people. The funding announced today will help many organisations to continue to deliver their vital services as we continue to deal with COVID-19.
Today’s announcement is in addition to funding of €4.1 million for 115 projects which the Minister announced on 2 November 2020 under Measures 1 and 2 of CLÁR. Over 1,500 projects have been funded under CLÁR since the programme was reintroduced in 2016.
A List of successful projects can be found here.