Longford projects set for €450,000 CLÁR funding boost

Community and sports clubs in Longford are set to receive substantial support under the CLÁR Programme with a total funding scheme allocation of over €450,000.

CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered significant levels of population decline.

A total of 12 projects in Longford are set to benefit from the €459,776 in funding with Carrickedmond GAA receiving the highest allocation of €50,000.

Elsewhere, Colmcille GAA and Moyne Community School are set to receive €49,725 and €49,094 respectively, while Granard Community Centre will benefit from €46,958.

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Other community and sports clubs that will get allocations include Longford County Council (€45,449), - Abbeylara Parish Centre (€45,000), Ballymahon GAA (€44,863), Newtowncashel Gun Club (€44,690), Killoe Community Group: €28,719), Leebeen Park Development (€27,900), Lisryan and District Development Committee (€17,929) and Clonbroney Parish Hall Committee (€9,449).

Fianna Fáil TD Joe Flaherty paid tribute to the hardworking committees and volunteers behind the applications.

“Volunteers are the backbone of rural Ireland and like the recent record Sports Capital grants for Co Longford, clubs and organisations out a huge amount of effort and dedication into their applications," he said. "I understand from the department that there were especially impressed with the standard of applications from Co Longford.”

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Fine Gael Senator Micheál Carrigy said the funding is very welcome.

“This is excellent news for Longford and a real endorsement of the great work being done by local groups here," he said. “The 12 projects receiving this funding will provide long-lasting benefits, improving key amenities and ensuring that communities across Longford continue to flourish."

Senator Carrigy spoke about the social and economic impact the funding will have on Longford.
“From enhancing community spaces to upgrading local infrastructure, this funding will help create better environments for people to come together, whether it’s for sports, cultural events, or simply to enjoy time in shared spaces," he said.