CLÁR Scheme

CLÁR 2025 Measure 1: Developing community facilities & amenities

Who can apply?

Expressions of Interest are welcome from:

• Schools (where facilities are open to the public outside school hours)
• Community and voluntary groups
• Local development companies
• Sporting organisations (if the proposed facility benefits the wider community)

Types of projects supported

Eligible projects must relate to a single facility and may include:

• Renovation or upgrade of community centres, youth hubs, men’s sheds, or sports clubhouses
• Outdoor recreational facilities (playgrounds, pump tracks, walking/running tracks, MUGAs, astro-turf)
• Community/sensory gardens, allotments, biodiversity planting
• Outdoor gyms, community cinemas, accessibility enhancements, solar bins
• Car parking and enhanced changing/toilet facilities

Note: All facilities must be accessible to the public and accommodate all ages and abilities.

Funding available

• Grant Range: €5,000 – €65,000 (up to €100,000 for two larger projects per Local Authority)
• Match Funding: A minimum of 10% must be provided by the applicant or philanthropic sources
• Funding Rate: Up to 90% of total eligible project cost

Project requirements

• Located in a designated CLÁR area
• Must be shovel-ready (permissions, match funding, and ownership/lease in place)
• Owned or held on a 15-year lease
• Publicly accessible without membership or appointments
• Project must be maintained and operational for at least 5 years

Ineligible projects

• Road and pedestrian safety measures (e.g. footpaths, crossings)
• School-only facilities, bus shelters, CCTV, or road markings

How to apply

This scheme is closed for 2025

For queries or support, please contact: Email: CLAR@clarecoco.ie