CLÁR

CLÁR 2026 Scheme

CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Ard-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in areas that experience disadvantage. The aim of CLÁR is to support the sustainable development of identified CLÁR areas with the aim of attracting people to live and work there. CLÁR provides funding for rural areas that have suffered significant levels of population decline. CLÁR is part of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 Rural Development Investment Programme.

The CLÁR Funding Scheme is available to areas as defined in the CLÁR area map - Leitrim, which includes all of County Leitrim. The funding is administered by Leitrim County Council on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG).

Eligible Applicants 

Schools, community and voluntary groups and local development companies.
All community amenities funded under this programme must, in so far as practicable, be accessible to all abilities and ages.

Eligible Projects

The list below provides an indication of the types of projects that may be supported, but is not exhaustive: 

  • Small scale renovation works to community facilities open to the wider community such as community centres/sports centres/clubhouses of sporting groups/youth centres/men sheds etc. This includes external works such as parking and accessibility enhancements.  
  • Multi-Use Gaming Areas (MUGAs)/Astro-Turf facilities including upgrades (see information box below in respect of astro turf upgrades)
  • Playgrounds/Skateboard parks/Pump tracks/Cycling tracks/teenage spaces
  • Walking/Running /Athletics tracks
  • Handball Alleys/Tennis Courts/Basketball Courts/Cricket Grounds/outdoor bowling areas
  • Community Gyms/Community Cinemas
  • Sensory Gardens/Community Gardens/ Allotments/Biodiversity planting
  • Access to unique local heritage sites / areas of natural beauty
  • Enhanced outdoor Toilet and changing facilities
  • Improving access at sports grounds e.g. development/upgrade of spectator stands at local sports grounds with a particular focus on improving access for people of all abilities and ages.
  • Toilets/showers in community facilities but not sports team changing rooms or showers.
  • Emergency generators. These must be mobile to allow for shared community use. There must be confirmation that the facilities that will use the generator have changeover switches in these facilities in place and the cost of installing these switches in these facilities can be included as part of the generator project application.
  • Applications to remediate light pollution (terrestrial and marine) through restorative lighting strategies to protect and/or restore Ireland's dark skies. 
  • Solar Bins

For proposed development or enhancement works on Astro pitches or surfaces

We would like to draw your attention to EU regulations relating to the sale of certain synthetic polymer microparticles that are often used for granular infill for use on synthetic (Astro) sports surfaces. A ban is to take effect in 2031 that limits the materials used to refill Astro surfaces. For applicants considering submitting an application under the 2026 CLÁR programme for the development of, or works on, any type of Astro surface, they should in the first instance discuss these regulations with their contractor or surface supplier to ensure that their development is fully compliant with relevant legislation and is future proofed so as to ensure best value for money and longevity of the surface for users.

For further information on the scheme, please email clarfunding@leitrimcoco.ie or call 071 96 20005 Ext 504