Over €500,000 in CLÁR funding allocated to nine Sligo community projects
The Sligo ChampionLocal representatives Marian Harkin and Frank Feighan have welcomed funding to the tune of €500,000 for nine community projects in Co Sligo under the 2025 CLÁR programme. The allocation was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary
The successful projects that will receive CLÁR funding in Co Sligo are as follows: Ballintogher Community Playground – playground refurbishment €100,000; Cliffoney Celtic FC – resurface pitch and install new shelters and goalposts, €64,030; Cliffoney Men’s Shed – develop a reading and relaxation room €54,000; Curry GAA, installation of a new ball stop net, €27,720; Skreen/Dromard Development CLG, playground refurbishment,€43,418; ETB Grange post primary school / North Sligo Athletic Club, installation of retaining wall, perimeter fencing, tarmacking and hedging, €58,289; Rathlee NS, provision of car parking and dry stone wall, €65,000; Arrow Harps FC CLG, new spectator stand, €26,635 and Sooey Community Council, community Hall upgrade works, €63,507.
The funding has been welcomed by local TDs Marian Harkin and Frank Feighan while Minister of State at the Depatment of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Jerry Buttimer said, “The CLÁR programme is one of Fine Gael’s key commitments to rural Ireland and continues to provide vital support in some of our most remote rural areas. These projects help build strong resilient and vibrant communities through the enhancement of existing community facilities and the provision of new amenities to support young and old across a range of services.
“This announcement of over €12 million will see 206 projects being delivered in communities across the country and on our offshore Islands. I was particularly pleased to include a specific provision for projects in Gaeltacht areas this year. These projects will no doubt make a valuable contribution to the people who live in and visit these communities.”
"With today’s announcement, our Department has now allocated €14 million to projects under CLAR this year – the highest allocation since the scheme was reintroduced in 2016. The funding continues to grow as we see the huge impact this funding has in our rural areas.”
Minister Marian Harkin stressed the importance of the CLÁR programme saying, “The CLÁR programme continues to provide vital support in some of our most remote rural areas. These investments strengthen the social fabric of rural life by enhancing community facilities and providing new amenities that support people of every age.
“I am especially pleased to see such a substantial package delivered for Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal today. From playgrounds and walking trails to spectator stands, community halls and Gaeltacht projects, this funding will have a lasting impact on local life across the Northwest.”
Minister Frank Feighan warmly welcomed funding for projects in Co Sligo, saying, “There are some excellent projects funded here that include, enhanced car parking, playground and sports facilities refurbishment and community hall upgrades.
“I want to congratulate the local committees who put forward these projects for funding and to thank local authority staff who provide great support and advice on applications, I am always available to support communities with their applications to government,” concluded Deputy Feighan.
Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.