Smart Wi-Fi bench for Croghan Hill

A project to provide a heated bench with Wi-Fi connectivity on Croghan Hill is to be supported by funding under the CLÁR Programme.

The €25,000 funding allocation to Offaly County Council was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys as part of a national allocation of €700,000 in funding to support 18 projects under the CLÁR programme.

The funding is designed to support communities in delivering projects that assist with issues such as rural isolation, population decline and social disadvantage.

The CLÁR programme is a key part of Our Rural Future ­– the Government’s five year strategy designed to revitalise Rural Ireland.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “I am delighted to announce funding for these projects, as part of the CLÁR programme’s new Innovation Measure.

“This is a measure that is designed to support innovative and bold ideas that will make a difference in communities across rural Ireland.

“The range of projects being awarded funding today shows the depth of talent, innovation and creativity that exists in rural Ireland. Harnessing this resource is a key element of the Government’s vision for rural Ireland as set out in Our Rural Future.

“I’m really looking forward to visiting these projects to see first-hand the impact that they will have in rural towns and villages.”

The Croghan Hill project known as the Croghan Hill Smart Meeting Point will involve the provision of a heated smart bench with Wi-Fi connectivity and charging points for those using Croghan Hill while also providing a Wi-Fi connectivity point for locals.