Kilkenny GAA and local sports clubs to be funded for first time under almost €8 million Clár programme

Upgrades to spectator stands at local GAA and sports clubs to be funded for the first time under the latest phase of the almost €8 million CLÁR Programme, Fine Gael TD, John Paul Phelan, has revealed.

The latest funding also includes support for Cancer Care Transport, Community First Responders and our offshore islands, Deputy Phelan confirmed. The funding was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.

“The funding, under the 2023 CLÁR Programme, will support hundreds of projects with a particular focus on areas that have experienced significant levels of population decline. Under the initiative, grants of up to €50,000 will be provided to support the development of community and sports facilities, youth clubs, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks and much more.

“And for the first time under the CLÁR Programme, funding will be provided to carry out upgrades and improvements to spectator stands at local GAA and sports clubs. There will be specific measures to support Cancer Care Transport, Community First Responders as well as our offshore island communities,” Deputy Phelan said.

Parliament Street project to get €30,000 funding under Heritage Stewardship Fund 2023

Announcing the details of the programme, Minister Humphreys said: “The CLÁR Programme is all about supporting rural communities in realising their potential. It’s about delivering high quality community and sports projects that will make our towns and villages more vibrant places to live and more attractive destinations to visit.

“So from the likes of astro-turfs, playgrounds, sensory gardens and handball alleys to outdoor Cinemas, walking tracks and community gyms – CLÁR is designed to support a vast array of projects that will benefit people of all ages and abilities.

Ag Science students get a taste of farm life at Kildalton Agricultural College in Kilkenny

“And I’m really pleased to announce that for the first time, funding will be provided specifically to upgrade and develop spectator stands at GAA and other sports grounds in Rural Ireland. I know that there are many local GAA clubs out there that would really benefit from funding to support better access for spectators who attend matches at their grounds. So I’m encouraging these clubs to apply for funding under this year’s initiative.”