Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, last week announced almost €390,000 in funding for small projects on our off-shore islands, as part of the 2024 CLÁR programme.

In total, eight islands off the coast of Cork, Donegal, Galway and Mayo will benefit under this funding allocation which will be used to develop and enhance community facilities and amenities across our off-shore Islands.

Three separate projects on Inis Mór will receive a combined €144,190, while Inishbofin has been allocated €50,000 for the repair and upgrade of playground equipment at the community playground.

Inis Mór also gets €50,000 towards the repair and upgrade of playground equipment – as well as €50,000 to instal a community kitchen in Halla Rónáin, and a further €44,190 for Aran Recycling for waste management equipment.

Minister Calleary said he was delighted announce the successful projects under the CLÁR programme.

“Supporting our Island communities is a key priority for me and for this Government. I am very pleased to see these investments which will further enhance the quality of life for those living on eight of our off-shore islands,” he said.

“Improvements in community facilities and transport initiatives together with waste management measures are all very welcome. There is also funding for the purchase of a generator in an island community centre which, as we have seen in recent weeks, will be an important resource in the future.

“I want to commend the community and voluntary groups behind each of these projects for their continued commitment to improving the quality of life of everyone on our islands. Through schemes like the CLÁR programme, I want to use my term as Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to support you as much as possible in creating sustainable and vibrant island communities.”

This brings the total investment to almost €14 million in support of over 320 projects in CLÁR areas nationwide under the 2024 programme.

Pictured: Funding…Minister Dara Calleary.