CLÁR PROGRAMME
 

The CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais), launched in 2001 is a targeted investment programme in rural areas. CLÁR complements both the RAPID programme for disadvantaged urban areas and RAPID 11, the programme for provincial towns.  The programmes were introduced on foot of commitments in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness for a targeted investment programme in both urban and rural disadvantaged areas.

The sixteen regions selected for inclusion in the CLÁR programme are those which suffered the greatest population decline from 1926 to 1996.  The average population loss in these regions was 50%.

CLÁR provides funding and co-funding to Government Departments, State Agencies and Local Authorities in accelerating investment in selected priority developments.  These investments support physical, community and social infrastructure across a variety of measures. A budget of €13.49m is allocated to the programme for 2004.

Following an analysis of the 2002 Population Census data, the CLÁR areas were reviewed and extended arising from the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government.  The population that benefits from the revised CLÁR programme has increased from 284,000 to 362,000 while the number of District Electoral Divisions (DEDs) included has increased from 701 to 890.

A substantial part of Kerry is included in the CLÁR Programme - 71 DEDs in total.  Much of the Killorglin Electoral Area and parts of the Killarney Electoral Area are included.  Most of the Dingle Electoral Area and two DEDs in the Tralee Electoral Area are also included.  In January 2003 Minister Eamon Ó Cuív, Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, announced an extension of CLÁR areas.  The extension has been applied to 7 DEDs in Kerry. This extension is welcome together with the announcement by Government that the CLÁR programme is being extended up to 2006.

The programme is co-ordinated by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in association with the County Development Boards.  The Kerry County Development Board, acting through the Department of Community & Enterprise in Kerry County Council co-ordinates the programme locally.  Local LEADER Groups such as Tuatha Chiarraí, South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd., MFG Teo, IRD Duhallow, provide assistance and funding to communities in CLÁR areas in the implementation of projects
 

Bilingual Signage Scheme 2005
 

For further information on the CLÁR Programme please contact:-

Community & Enterprise Department, Kerry County Council at 066-7183680: email cdb@kerrycoco.ie. Information on the programme is also available on www.pobail.ie