Michael Ring T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development, today announced funding of €250,000 for five community playgrounds and multi-use games areas (MUGAs ) in Mayo under the CLÁR Programme 2018.
Minister Ring has allocated funding to the following communities: (1 ) Achill Community Futures €50,000 for a community playground at Dumha Éige; (2 ) St. Joseph's National School, Bonniconlon €50,000 for a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA ); (3 ) Carracastle Future Ltd €50,000 for a MUGA at Cloonmore; (4 ) Geesala Community Council & Development Ltd €50,000 for a community playground at Cnoc na Ráithe (Rathhill ) and (5 ) Ballindine National School €50,000 for a MUGA.
Announcing the funding Minister Ring stated: "I am delighted to announce funding under the CLÁR programme of €250,000 for play areas in rural communities in Mayo. This follows on from last week’s announcement by me of over €320,000 for School and Community Safety supports in Mayo through the CLÁR programme.
"I have again decided that all applications that qualify under the Play Areas Measure of the programme will receive funding this year. These projects will make the areas in which they are located more attractive places for families to live in and settle, in line with the aim of the CLÁR programme."
Minister Ring added: "Since 2016, the CLÁR Programme has provided funding to over 1,100 projects throughout the country under various measures, including funding for 265 play and multi-use games area projects.
"Communities themselves have fundraised and worked with their Local Authorities to put forward these projects for funding and this cooperation is to be acknowledged and welcomed.
"These projects are excellent examples of what can be done when everyone works together - resulting in new and improved recreational resources for children and communities in rural areas, and my Department is happy to support this significant investment to make these facilities a reality.
"Partnership and community involvement is vital in all areas of life and that partnership and community spirit has been evident to me in the small rural towns and villages all across the country in recent years under my Department’s initiatives such as the CLÁR programme, the Rural Recreation Schemes and the Town & Village Renewal Scheme.
"The projects coming out of these schemes are all testament to the passion and commitment of local communities to make rural Ireland a place where people want to live, work and prosper."
