Include more Kilkenny areas in Clár scheme say councillors

It’s a disgrace that some rural areas that would benefit from a scheme to fund infrastructure projects in rural areas are not included, say north Kilkenny councillors.

However, any review of the Clár scheme would have to be raised carefully, they caution, as they don’t want to see new areas added to the scheme at the loss of others.

Castlecomer area councillors discussed the matter at their recent meeting after work carried out in Muckalee had been praised by Councillor Pat Fitzpatrick. He said work had been funded by the community and through Clár.

Disgrace
However, Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh said it was a disgrace that some areas, including Johnstown, are not in the Clár scheme.
Agreeing with her, Cllr John Brennan said some disadvantaged areas are not in the scheme.

GAA club in Kilkenny submit plans for development

Cllr Brennan was clear that he was not putting one area up against another, but wanted more included. “Add to the scheme, don’t take areas out,” he said.

Caution was urged by Cllr Fitzpatrick who said they had to be careful about how the scheme would be reviewed because areas currently included could be taken out.

${title}

${subtitle}

${summary}

The Clár programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas.
Applications
Opened for applications in 2016, Clár aims to support sustainable development in identified areas by attracting people to live and work there.
The funding works in conjunction with local funding and on the basis of locally identified priorities.
The scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. It is delivered by local authorities in consultation with groups in local communities.
Measures funded under the 2022 CLÁR Programme included:
Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities
Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport
Measure 3: “Our Islands”