Over half a million Euro announced for Leitrim towns and villages in CLÁR funding

Leitrim towns and villages are to receive over half a million euro for the upgrade of playgrounds, walking tracks and community centres, it was revealed this week. 

Projects approved include  €65,000 for Poll an Easa waterfall for carpark and safety improvements through the Ballinamore Area Community Council in Aughnasheelin.

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer TD, this week  announced €12.3 million to deliver 206 community projects under the 2025 CLÁR programme. 

READ MORE: Leitrim woman left waiting six hours in ambulance outside Sligo University Hospital

Other successful applicants include Scoil Mhuire Naofa, Carrigallen, which received €47,293 for the provision of a sensory garden and in Drumshanbo, Sliabh an Iarainn visitors Centre received €99,671 for an upgrade to the centre. 

In Fenagh, the Handball Club received €30,379 for club improvements while the Kiltoghert Community Centre received €25,223 for car park improvements including accessible spaces and lighting.

The Kiltyclogher Church of Ireland Parish hall received €65,000 for an accessible extension while Kiltyclogher Community Council received €62,478 for the creation of a teen space in the public playground.

Leitrim Village playground was awarded €100,000 for an upgrade and Manorhamilton Bee Park Resource Centre was awarded €42,075 for facility enhancements.  

READ MORE: Roads in Sligo and Leitrim to get upgrade through new road network improvement plan – Feighan

Leitrim/Sligo TD, Frank Feighan, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation“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 in Leitrim who provide great support and advice on applications, I am always available to support communities with their applications to government”, concluded Deputy Feighan. Speaking today, Minister 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.

Today’s 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.”