'Great news': Nearly €600,000 in funding awarded to nine Clare organisations for upgrades

Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe has welcomed almost €600,000 in funding for rural community projects in the county. 

The nine Clare organisations are set to receive a combined total of €596,885 under the government's CLÁR programme, which aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation.

Deputy Crowe said this is "great news" for the local communities where the successful projects will see funding awarded to community walking tracks, astro-turf facilities, community playgrounds, public toilets, car parks and more.

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Dromindoora National School in Caher will receive €58,500 for the upgrade of the pathway leading to the astro-turf at the school. Carrowcore's Ogonnelloe Hurling Club were given €65,000 to renovate community rooms in the club while Cooraclare GAA will also welcome €65,000 for the enhancement and extension of the public walking track. 

Ennistymon Community School was awarded a whopping €100,000 for the installation of a new multi-use games area. Also receiving six-figure funding was Bridge Celtic AFC & Bridgetown National School for the development of a new astro-turf pitch. 

Kildysart Playground will now be able to carry out upgrades after receiving €57,050 through the scheme. The Shannon Gaels GAA Club in Kilmurry McMahon were awarded €27,000 and are now set to upgrade the public toilet. 

Coolmeen GAA in Kilrush will upgrade the existing parking area and construct a new ball wall to the tune of €65,000 while St Josephs Miltown Malbay GAA will see a car park upgrade after receiving €59,335 through this scheme.

Deputy Crowe said, "Schools, GAA clubs and community centres, especially in rural areas, are the lifeblood of their local community and, especially in winter months, provide a safe space to go, exercise and meet friends in a safe environment. The CLÁR programme specifically targets those communities who have faced significant depopulation and have been designated as rurally disadvantaged, and this funding announcement represents a real boost for the social fabric of the successful communities.

"I have worked with a number of community groups in progressing their CLÁR scheme applications and I want to thank Minister Calleary for funding these projects."