Local Cllr advises communities to be "CLÁR ready"

Offaly Green Party Cllr, Mark Hackett, is calling on communities in Kilclonfert, Cloghan and Knockrin, to identify small infrastructural projects now for possible funding in 2023.

CLÁR is a target scheme which provides funding for small-scale rural projects in rural areas that have suffered the greatest levels of population decline. Communities in Kilclonfert and Croghan have already secured funding this year for upgrades to community facilities, but Cllr Hackett would like to see more funding for other rural projects in north Offaly next year.

Cllr Hackett said “I want to see CLÁR investment expanded in North Offaly in 2023 and this means planning. I am calling on community groups, schools and clubs in these areas to identify projects now that may qualify for funding in 2023. The focus of the funding may change but this year included funding for astroturf pitches, community playgrounds, even the purchase of vehicles for specific use. While we cannot pre-empt what the priorities of the funding will be in 2023 we can identify what the local priorities are – let’s be ambitious and build local communities people are attracted back to.”

The scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and is delivered by local authorities in consultation with groups in local communities. The call for applications is expected to reopen in early 2023.

Mark concluded “Be CLÁR ready – I’d love to hear from communities in the North Offaly CLÁR areas so we can attract more investment into quality of life improvements next year.”.