The €5 million CLÁR scheme for 2020 has been launched by the Department of Rural and Community Development, and Galway community groups, schools, clubs, and health organisations are being urged to apply for funding.
Galway East TD, and Minister for Rural Affairs, Seán Canney, said CLÁR funding is "a great opportunity for community services and facilities that need support", which has also "provided vital investment for rural areas".
The three measures being funded under the 2020 CLÁR programme are: Schools/community safety measures; community recreation areas; community wellbeing supports, comprising meals on wheels and linked services; and mobility and cancer care transport. The scope of the scheme has been expanded and adapted to take account of the Covid-19 crisis. The application deadline is August 28.
'Funding has been specially adapted to provide infrastructure and services to help communities deal with challenges posed by Covid-19'
The funding for community recreational areas will be "important in supporting compliance with the Government's roadmap for easing restrictions," said Minister Canney, while meal services will "need to adapt to public hygiene guidelines around the handling and preparation of food".
Galway West TD, Hildegarde Naughton is also encouraging groups to apply for the funding. "It has been specially adapted to provide infrastructure and services to help communities deal with challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic," she said.
Sheltered outdoor seating, picnic areas, BBQ facilities, stage areas, and public lighting are among measures likely to be supported under the scheme. "These will be increasingly important for community social interaction in the coming months," said Dep Naughton, "and as we face tough social and economic challenges arising from this unprecedented situation."
