Nine Longford community projects  to benefit from €339k CLÁR funding boost

Nine projects across county Longford have received €339,405 in funding under the 2023 CLÁR Programme.

The funding was announced this morning by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD as part of a further €6.2 million allocation under the programme to 152 projects nationwide. 

 The new funding will support the following Longford projects:

• Granard Community Centre - Kitchen and heating upgrade and roof repair to Community Centre - €50,000
• St Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro – Community Hall upgrade works  - €43,611
• St Mary’s Campus, Edgeworthstown – Upgrade fire alarm system - €8,434
• Latin School, Moyne - The replacement of a boundary wall at the front of the centre to include piers and a new entrance. Upgrading of the heating system in the main building and kitchen area. - €42,483
• Colmcille Community Centre - Upgrade works to include energy efficiency upgrades to Community Centre - €48,340
• St Colmcille NS, Aughnacliffe - Installation of a sensory garden - €40,500
• Scoil Samhthann, Ballinalee - Astro-turf pitch on school grounds - €50,000
• Lanesboro Primary School Walkway - Construction of a tarmacadam walkway around the perimeter of the school football pitch. A Beech hedging and native plant species will be incorporated along the walkway. - €31,287
• Cnoc Mhuire Secondary School, Granard -  Walkway around school pitch - €24,750

Minister Humphreys said, “This additional funding will further support community groups and schools across the country in the development and enhancement of community facilities which I have no doubt will be greatly welcomed and enjoyed by all who use them.”

She adedd, “I want to commend the work of all the successful applicants under the 2023 CLÁR programme. Each of the successful applicants can look forward to enjoying the fruits of their labours. I very much look forward to seeing these projects being delivered in the year ahead.”

Deputy Joe Flaherty said, “The €339k announced this morning in funding under the CLÁR programme and the Government’s policy for rural Ireland, Our Rural Future, will make such a big difference in our local community.” 

He added,  “Investing in Our Rural Future and supporting our rural communities are key priorities of Fianna Fáil in Government. I will continue working to ensure that our rural communities benefit from projects that will make them more vibrant places to live, work and visit.” 

Senator Micheál Carrigy commented, "Priority has been given in respect of small-scale renovation works to community buildings (e.g. floors, windows, doors, heating upgrades, kitchen upgrades) and in particular community centres that did not receive funding under the Community Centres Investment.

"The announcement today follows the previous announcement in early December 2023 where six clubs in Longford received a total of €118,000 under this scheme.  Huge thanks must go to the people that work so hard in our communities to get these projects off the ground and over the line."