The expansion of the CLÁR programme where €12 million has been allocated in 2026 to further support rural communities, will see several areas across The Avondhu catchment now eligible to apply for funding under the programme
110 additional areas across 20 counties are now also eligible, including rural areas of Lismore, Tallow, Doneraile and Buttevant. The newly designated areas have a combined population of almost 150,000 people and over 1 million people are now living in areas eligible to apply for funding, since the programme was established.
The targeted investment programme will provide funding for small scale infrastructural projects in communities that have experienced significant levels of depopulation.
Minister Darragh Calleary announced the expansion of areas eligible for the CLÁR funding programme, with the inclusion of both Doneraile and Buttevant being welcomed.
“The inclusion of Buttevant and Doneraile among the locations now eligible for funding means more communities in county Cork can apply for support for local projects and community amenities. This will help ensure these communities have access to the same infrastructure and facilities that are available in urban areas,” Fianna Fáil Minister Michael Moynihan said.
While Government Chief Whip & Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler T.D. welcomed the expansion of the area in Waterford – now covering 14.9% of the county’s population.
“These newly designated areas have a combined population of almost 150,000 people throughout the country and Ardmore, rural Lismore, Tallow and Glenwilliam are now included”.
In County Tipperary, Ardfinnan comes under the expanded CLÁR area, while Kilmallock in county Limerick is also included.
Under the initiative, funding will be provided across three measures:
Measure 1 – Development of community facilities and amenities including sports facilities, youth clubs, teenage spaces, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks and much more. There are new items eligible for support this year under Measure 1, including support for traffic safety measures with a particular link to community facilities or events, and for initiatives aimed at reducing light pollution in rural communities.
Measure 2 – Support for vehicles for community transport used to transport cancer patients or persons with reduced mobility, for community first responders and for meals on wheels organisations.
Measure 3 – Tailored funding for our offshore island communities under the specific ‘Our Living Islands’ measure.
