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 2026

On the 9th March 2026 the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD launched the 2026 CLÁR Scheme.  The scheme allocation for 2026 has increased to €12 million.

Wicklow's eligible CLÁR area has been extended to include the Carnew and Shillelagh electoral districts.

The 2026 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

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

Measure 1 is administered by Local Authorities in consultation with local communities and applications will only be accepted directly from Local Authorities. 

We are calling for expression of interests to be submitted for review, by the 9th June 2026.  Please submit your expression of interest to pcarmody@wicklowcoco.ie 

(Completed eligible applications have to be submitted to DRCD by 3rd July 2026)

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