Seven Offaly projects receive CLÁR funding totaling €343,908

By Rebekah O'Reilly

A total of €343,908 in CLÁR Measure 1 funding has been allocated to projects across Offaly, following today’s (November 28) announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD.

With this latest round of approvals, more than €14 million has now been allocated under the CLÁR Programme this year, the highest annual amount since the scheme was reintroduced in 2016.

Seven Offaly projects have been approved under Measure 1, which supports the development of community facilities and amenities.

In Brosna, Birr Coolderry Central School has been awarded €25,830 for the provision of a new walkway, while St Kieran’s Development in Clonfanlough has secured €65,000 for an upgrade of the local car park. Scoil Bhríde in Croghan has received €31,500 for a new astroturf pitch, and Kilclonfert GAA has been allocated €100,000 to develop its own new astroturf facility.

Further funding includes €21,578 for the Birr–Longford Graveyard Group for the renovation of a church and biodiversity planting, €65,000 for St Brigid’s GAA Club in Croghan for upgrades to its existing astroturf pitch, and €35,000 for the Roscomroe Community Development Committee for church renovation works and biodiversity planting.

Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly, Tony McCormack, said the funding would “deliver real, on-the-ground improvements for our schools, clubs and community groups.”

He added that the investment “will make a real difference to families, young people, sports clubs and community volunteers right across the county. It is another strong vote of confidence in rural communities and the vital role they play. I’m delighted to see so many local initiatives supported, each of them strengthening our rural communities and improving local amenities.”

Fine Gael TD John Clendennen also welcomed the announcement, saying the funding would “make a real and lasting difference for these communities.”