Clare GAA clubs at risk as more young people emigrate amid housing crisis

In response to concerns about the impact of rural depopulation on small GAA clubs in Clare, Clare County Council is making housing activation a priority.

Housing Activation is the process and strategies aimed at increasing the availability and delivery of housing, particularly in areas where there is a shortage or growing demand.

It involves a number of measures to increase potential housing developments, improve infrastructure, and ensure that homes are built in a sustainable and accessible way, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas.

In Clare, housing activation focuses on addressing the challenges posed by rural depopulation and improving housing accessibility in towns, villages, and the countryside.

The goal is to ensure that housing availability supports local communities, increases vibrancy, and helps retain or grow the population, particularly in rural areas, this includes initiatives like land activation, improving infrastructure, and working with key stakeholders such as local authorities, developers, and community groups to facilitate more housing developments.

The newly appointed Chief Executive, Gordon Daly, emphasized that increasing housing delivery across rural parts of the county is essential to addressing the issue.

As Daly stated in a written reply, “Increased housing delivery in towns, villages, and rural parts of County Clare is a key enabler to address rural depopulation.”

He also confirmed that the Housing Activation Team will be engaging with stakeholders, including Clare GAA, to align housing strategies with the needs of local communities.

"Early discussions with Clare GAA have already taken place, with further engagement planned in the near future" he wrote, demonstrating the Council's ongoing commitment to tackling these critical challenges.