Hope that review of Clár funding will help depopulated areas of Inishowen

The announcement that a funding stream for infrastructure projects in rural areas could be expanded could have a significant positive impact for some rural areas of Donegal, it has been claimed.

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has written to Donegal County Council stating that in line with population growth in recent years, a review of the Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais (Clár) programme’s eligibility will be conducted with a view to expanding it.

The programme provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas. The Government says the funding 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 and is delivered by local authorities in consultation with groups in local communities.

The move has been welcomed by Inishowen county councillor Albert Doherty who has long called for the extension of the area covered by the funding programme.The department wrote to  Donegal County Council after the local authority adopted a motion from Cllr Doherty last month calling for the expansion of the funding.

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The Carndonagh-based Sinn Féin councillor said that if the programme is expanded “it helps all within the county” but in particular areas of Inishowen including parts of the Carndonagh parish, Clonmany, Isle of Doagh, Ballyliffin, Dumfries and Illies that don’t have access to the funding.

“The commitment for the new government and new minister to look and see about expanding the Clár programme is very, very welcome,” he said. 

“It is a fund that has been used by communities, school communities and sporting organisations. Once their electoral district is included in the Clár programme, small but critical infrastructure projects could be delivered and the financing could be accessed through the Clár funding.”