The Rural Support Schemes include the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) and the CLÁR Scheme.
ORIS 2024/2025 provides funding for the following:
Measure 1: |
Small scale repair/ Development/ Promotion and Marketing. Funding of up to €40,000 at a 90% rate of aid. |
Measure 2: |
Medium scale repair/ upgrade and new Trail/ Amenity Development. Funding of up to €200,000 at 90% rate of aid. |
Measure 3: |
Large scale repair/upgrade and new Strategic Trail/ Amenity Development Funding of up to €500,000 at a 90% rate of aid. |
Project Development Measure: |
Detailed development of projects which would enable them to reach a standard for application under Measure 2 or Measure 3. Funding of up to €50,000 at a 90% rate of aid. |
CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a focused investment initiative for rural Ireland, offering financial support for small infrastructure projects in areas significantly impacted by population decline. This funding aims to strengthen the resilience of these communities.
CLÁR 2025 launch by Minister Dara Calleary Press Release can be found on this link CLÁR 2025 Launch
Eligible areas in Westmeath are shown on the CLÁR Map Westmeath
This Scheme is delivered under 3 Measures. Please note that Measure 1 ONLY is administered by Local Authorities.
Measure 2 & 3 applications must be made directly to the Department of Rural & Community Development.
Development of community facilities and amenities including sports facilities, youth clubs, teenage spaces, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks and much more.
A minimum grant of €5,000 and maximum grant of €65,000 will apply to this measure. To facilitate projects of a slightly greater scale, each local authority can submit 2 applications seeking grant funding of up to €100,000. The scheme will provide up to 90% of the project cost (up to the max grant amount). The remaining 10% or balance of the cost must be provided by the community/LA.
Please complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) by clicking the link below. EOI’s are assessed against the criteria of the relevant grant with consideration to community needs and capacity of delivery of projects.
Closing date for receipt of Expression of Interest is Friday 16th May 2025 at 4pm.
Useful Links:
Community Development Section
Westmeath County Council
Áras an Chontae
Mount Street, Mullingar N91 FH4N
Phone: 044 9332196, 044 9338969 or 044 9332258
Email: rss@westmeathcoco.ie