CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. This funding assists in building the resilience of these rural communities. 

CLÁR Programme for 2025

The CLÁR Programme allocation has increased from €8.7 million to €11 million in 2025.

The 2025 programme will be delivered through three separate Measures as follows:

Measure 1:                Developing Community Facilities & Amenities 

Measure 2:                Mobility, Cancer Care, Community First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport

Measure 3:                ‘Our Living Islands’

This Scheme outline refers to Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities which are projects delivered via local authorities (LAs). 

Measure 2 supports voluntary groups that provide free transport to people receiving cancer care and other treatment as well as Community First Response Support and Search and Rescue organisations. This year organisations providing a meals on wheels service are eligible to apply.

Measure 3 is designed to support offshore island communities

Measure 1 is administered by Local Authorities in consultation with local communities and applications will only be accepted directly from Local Authorities.  Please email an expression of interest to pcarmody@wicklowcoco.ie and once the project is deemed eligible an application form will be provided for completion.  Closing date for the submission of expressions of interest is Friday 9th May 2025 at 5pm. 

(Completed eligible applications have to be submitted to DRCD by 13th June 2025)

Please note:-  Measure 2 and Measure 3 are administered directly by the Department of Rural and Community Development and applications are being accepted via email to CLAR@drcd.gov.ie

A map of the eligible Wicklow CLÁR areas is available below, along with the scheme guidelines.