CLÁR Funding Scheme 2026

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD has launched the 2026 CLÁR Scheme. CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population and/or socio-economic disadvantage and geographic remoteness.

The 2026 programme will be delivered through separate Measures as follows:

Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities and Amenities

Measure 1 is administered by Cavan County Council.

Eligible Applicants

Schools, community and voluntary groups and Local Development Companies can apply for funding under Measure 1. Community groups can include local sporting organisations where the infrastructure being supported through the application, is for the benefit of the community generally (not just the sporting organisation) and is made freely available to all members of the community. 

Funding Available

• Minimum grant of €5,000 and maximum grant of €65,000 per project
• Up to €100,000 available for two large-scale projects

Eligible Projects

This measure will support a variety of capital projects that contribute to the enhancement of existing, and/or the development of new, accessible community recreation facilities and therefore further build the resilience of rural communities, including in preparing facilities for use during emergency events. Examples of eligible projects include -

• Small scale renovation works to community facilities open to the wider community such as community centres/sports centres/clubhouses of sporting groups/youth centres/men’s sheds etc. This includes external works such as parking and accessibility enhancements.
• Multi-use gaming areas (MUGAs)/Astro-turf facilities including upgrades (see information box in respect of astro turf surfaces below).
• Playgrounds/skateboard parks/pump tracks/cycling tracks/teenage spaces.
• Walking/running /athletics tracks.
• Handball alleys/tennis courts/basketball courts/cricket grounds/ outdoor bowling areas.
• Community gyms/community cinemas.
• Sensory gardens/Community gardens/ allotments/ biodiversity planting.
• Access to unique local heritage sites / areas of natural beauty.
• Enhanced outdoor toilet and changing facilities.
• Car parking.
• Community focused traffic safety measures.
• Improving access at sports grounds e.g. development/upgrade of spectator stands at local sports grounds with a particular focus on improving access for people of all abilities and ages
• Toilets/showers in community facilities but not sports team changing rooms or showers.
• Emergency Generators. These must be mobile to allow for shared community use. There must be confirmation that the facilities that will use the generator have changeover switches in place and the cost of installing these switches in these facilities can be included as part of the generator project application.
• Actions to remediate light pollution (terrestrial and marine) through restorative lighting strategies to protect and/or retore Ireland’s dark skies.
• Solar Bins.

How to Apply

Application forms and scheme outline are available below:

• CLÁR 2026 Measure 1 Expression of Interest Application Form
• CLÁR 2026 Measure 1 Scheme Outline
• CLÁR DED Cavan 2026

Please direct any queries to Bernie O’Rourke/ Siobhán Sheils on 049 4378634 / 4378620 or by email to clar@cavancoco.ie. 

Completed Expressions of Interest for Measure 1 must be submitted in WORD format directly to Cavan County Council by email, to clar@cavancoco.ie

Closing date for receipt of applications to Cavan County Council is 5pm Monday 25th May 2026.  Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care, Community First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport

Completed applications for Measure 2 should be submitted directly to the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Gaeltacht at CLAR@drcdg.gov.ie  by 22nd May 2026.   Further information and forms for Measure 2 are available here.

Grant Funding and Rate of Aid

Rate of Aid: The scheme will provide funding as follows;

The examples given above are not exhaustive, and any alternative vehicle or vessel may be considered, subject to prior discussion with the Department.

In addition to the maximum grants outlined above, additional funding of up to €20,000 is available for solar panels or EV charging points where the applicant has procured an electric vehicle.

Areas Eligible for CLÁR Funding in County Cavan

Please note, areas shaded in grey in the map below are not eligible for CLÁR funding.

CLÁR county map for Cavan. Published in March 2026