Minister of State for Regional Economic Development Michael Ring yesterday announced €976,869 of funding under the Clár scheme for projects in Mayo. The total funding nationwide for the scheme was €8.24 with almost €1 million of that going to projects in Mayo.
Making the announcement he said, “Clár is a targeted investment programme that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant depopulation. The aim of Clár is to support the sustainable development of identified Clár areas by attracting people to live and work there. The funding works in conjunction with local funding and on the basis of locally identified priorities. The programme has been effectively closed for new applications since 2009 but I reopened it in October and funding is being provided under these three measures: (1 ) Safety package for Schools/Community Facilities (2 ) Outdoor Play Facilities Enhancement Scheme/support for the development of Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA ) and (3 ) Local Access Roads
The funding includes €175,960 for six different projects in the Ballina area, including €100,000 for the provision of a new multi use games area in Crossmolina. A sum of €160,560 has been allocated for two projects in Claremorris, €60,000 for finishing works at Loughanamon NS and €100,560 for a multi use games area in Mayfield, Claremorris. There will also be €102,040 of funding for two projects in the Westport area, with €86,040 being allocated to Murrisk for the provision of a new playground, and funding in the amount of €16,000 has been allocated to Brackloon NS for outdoor play facilities, goalposts and nets.
In the northwest Mayo area, Minister Ring allocated €388,400 for eight different projects, including €120,000 for upgrade works on the tidal pool and car parking facility at Shore Road, Belmullet, €73,600 for the provision of a new playground in Bangor, and €70,000 for the provision of a footpath extension to school gates along N59 in Ballycroy.
