Independent Councillor Geraldine Donohue has welcomed confirmation from Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary TD that he is currently considering the findings of a recent review of the CLÁR programme, following representations made by Galway County Council.
The Minister’s response was issued after Councillor Donohue tabled a Notice of Motion at the November plenary meeting of Galway County Council, calling for a review of CLÁR-eligible areas across the county. The motion received cross-party support from councillors, reflecting widespread concern that a number of rural towns and villages are excluded from the scheme despite having clear and growing needs.
Councillor Donohue has been particularly vocal in highlighting what she describes as inequities in the current CLÁR area map. She has argued that communities such as Craughwell, Clarinbridge and Athenry, along with many other rural settlements, fall outside the designated CLÁR areas and are therefore unable to apply for funding, despite facing challenges similar to those in neighbouring eligible areas.
“We have young people living in all of our towns and villages,” Councillor Donohue said. “It is unfair that some communities are automatically excluded from CLÁR funding simply because of how boundaries are drawn. These areas deserve the same opportunity to access funding that supports vital local infrastructure and community development.”
CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais ) funding is aimed at supporting rural areas that have experienced population decline or are otherwise disadvantaged. The programme provides targeted investment for small-scale infrastructure projects designed to improve quality of life, strengthen community resilience and make rural areas more attractive places to live, work and visit.
Currently, CLÁR funding is delivered under three main measures: funding for community facilities and amenities, support for community transport initiatives, and tailored funding for offshore island communities. In addition, local authorities can apply for funding for larger projects, with provision for an additional application in Gaeltacht areas. These measures are widely regarded as critical for maintaining and upgrading community spaces, improving connectivity and addressing the specific challenges faced by remote rural communities.
In his reply to Galway County Council, Minister Calleary acknowledged the concerns raised and confirmed that the Department is examining the outcome of a recent CLÁR review, including issues relating to eligibility and area boundaries. While no timeline has yet been outlined for potential changes, Councillor Donohue said the acknowledgement is a positive step.
She has called for a more inclusive and flexible approach to determining CLÁR eligibility, one that reflects current population trends, service demands and the needs of rural families, rather than relying solely on historic data.
Councillor Donohue said she will continue to engage with the Minister and departmental officials to ensure that communities currently excluded from the programme are given fair consideration. She added that expanding access to CLÁR funding would help ensure balanced rural development across County Galway and provide much-needed support for towns and villages striving to sustain their communities into the future.
