CLÁR extension a 'long‑overdue recognition of challenges' in Donegal

A major expansion to the CLÁR Programme, including significant benefits for communities across County Donegal has been announced.

Pat the Cope Gallagher, Fianna Fáil, has warmly welcomed the announcement by Minister Dara Calleary.

The CLÁR Programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a capital investment initiative by the Department of Rural and Community Development targeted at rural areas that have suffered significant levels of population decline.

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Deputy Gallagher said the decision to add 24 new Electoral Divisions in Donegal - bringing overall eligibility to more people  - represents “a long‑overdue recognition of the challenges facing rural and peripheral counties such as Donegal.”

He noted that including additional Donegal areas will create new opportunities for investment in community facilities, transport supports, and development.

Deputy Gallagher also welcomed the increased €12 million budget for the 2026 programme, saying it will help ensure that rural counties receive the support needed to sustain their populations, improve quality of life, and maintain essential services.

He encouraged Donegal community groups to engage early with the application process, particularly under Measure 1, which is administered through local authorities.

Deputy Gallagher concluded by commending the Department’s commitment to holding capacity‑building seminars later this month, saying these will be “especially valuable for smaller volunteer‑led organisations who rely on clear guidance when preparing applications.”

Welcoming the inclusion of the 24 Donegal divisions, Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, said: “This follows a commitment given in the Programme for Government to carry out a comprehensive review of the eligibility criteria of CLÁR with a view to expanding the programme to rural areas which were previously ineligible.

“The 2026 CLÁR programme, with an increased budget of €12 million, is now open for applications and I would encourage community groups in Donegal that are eligible to make an application. For the first time over one million people are now eligible for support in CLÁR areas.

“For many years, the CLÁR Programme has provided funding to develop and support our rural communities in Donegal, making them more resilient, and more inviting places to live, work and visit. Groups right across Donegal have benefitted under CLÁR and this announcement means that even more communities will be able to avail of the programme.

“The CLÁR Programme helps fund community projects such as playgrounds, sports facilities, youth spaces, walking tracks and sensory gardens. New measures include supports for traffic safety near community facilities and light pollution reduction."

The CLÁR programme will be extended in Ballintra - population of 775; Ballyliffin - 1,529; Ballyshannon Rural - 1,738; Ballyshannon Urban – 1,714; Bundoran Urban – 2,124; Carndonagh – 2,519; Castlefinn – 1,252; Clonleigh North – 1,429; Clonleigh South – 2,156; Convoy – 2,559; Donegal – 4,179; Figart – 1,131; Inch Island – 396; Killygordon – 1,146; Kilmacrennan – 1,525; Manorcunningham – 1,314; Mintiaghs – 890; Newtowncunningham – 1,028; Raphoe – 1,521; Ramelton – 2,494; St Johnston – 1,396; Straid – 1,298; Tantrallon – 1,745; Three Trees – 724.

Under the initiative, funding will be provided across three measures:
Measure 1 - Development of community facilities and amenities including sports facilities, youth clubs, teenage spaces, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks and much more. There are new items eligible for support this year under Measure 1, including support for traffic safety measures with a particular link to community facilities or events, and for initiatives aimed at reducing light pollution in rural communities.

Measure 2 - Support for vehicles for community transport used to transport cancer patients or persons with reduced mobility, for community first responders and for meals on wheels organisations.

Measure 3 - Tailored funding for our offshore island communities under the specific ‘Our Living Islands’ measure.