Clar Programme

Following an analysis of the 2002 Population Census data, the CLÁR areas were reviewed and extended from January 2003 arising from the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government. Parts of eighteen counties are now included and the population that benefits from the revised CLÁR programme has increased to 362,000 in 890 DEDs.

The maps showing the areas included in the programme and the DEDs on a county basis can be accessed on the website at:

• CLÁR target areas
• County breakdown by District Electoral Division

How does CLÁR operate?

CLÁR is co-ordinated by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs. The programme has an annual budget and the provision for 2010 is €8m. The principle of additionality is central to CLÁR.  Therefore, it seeks to encourage matching funding from Government Departments, State Agencies and Local Authorities.  The measures in the programme cover physical, social and community infrastructure, e.g. water schemes, enhancement and community/sports facilities and were decided on after consultation with the communities in the areas concerned. The measures are for the most part, operated in tandem with the lead Departments or Agencies, as appropriate, thus ensuring efficiency and effectiveness as well as meeting the needs of the people in the CLÁR areas.

What funding is available and where can I get application forms?

Details of the funding available under the various measures in the programme and where to apply are available in the "More information about CLÁR" section on the website. With the exception of the Schools Outdoor Play Facilities scheme, there are no application forms for CLÁR funding.  Other measures involve no form filling as they are run in conjunction with other Departments or State Agencies, whose criteria in their related schemes and measures apply.

For More information about CLÁR visit http://www.pobail.ie/en/RAPIDandCLAR/MeasuresUnderClar/

Details of CLÁR expenditure in 2002 under the various measures can be accessed at:

http://www.pobail.ie/en/RAPIDandCLAR/MeasuresUnderClar/CLARAnnualReport2002/

If I have already been turned down by the relevant Department / Agency is there any point in applying to your Department?

Obviously this depends on the circumstances of the refusal but it is a fundamental principle of CLÁR that the relevant mainstream Department/Agency would have to approve the project for it to receive any direct funding from CLÁR.  There is no assistance under CLÁR for non-capital or current expenditure, such as staffing, administrative and overhead costs.

Extended Clar designated DED’s in Westmeath

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