Eleven Westmeath projects receive CLÁR funding

Eleven local projects have been allocated funding under the 2024 CLÁR Programme.

A total of €467,258 has been allocated to community groups in Westmeath under the latest round of CLÁR, which provides funding for small-scale rural projects, such as the development of sports and outdoor facilities, community halls, green spaces and more.

Among the local community groups to receive funding are Rathowen Community Development (€45,000) - for the redevelopment and upgrade of existing playground and equipment at Rathowen Community Centre; Nancy to Nelly Fore Walk (€50,000) - for surfacing upgrades on the existing walkway; Multyfarnham Community Centre (€50,000) - for an upgrade to the existing playground, and Streete Parish Park (€47,486) - for fire safety, emergency door replacement, access control and security systems upgrades.

The news has been welcomed by Minister Peter Burke, who says that he is delighted to see so many projects in Westmeath receive an allocation this year.

“This year’s allocation of €467,258 for Westmeath projects substantially passes last year’s allocation of €350,000 and reaffirms Fine Gael’s commitment of investing in rural Ireland to keep our communities vibrant through state-of-the-art facilities, such as walkways, community centres and green spaces.

“The announcement under CLÁR could also not have been possible without the work and efforts of our local community groups and volunteers who have unwavering ambition to develop innovative projects for their area,” he concluded.

Nationally, 264 projects will benefit from the €11.4 million overall allocation.

The other projects to benefit in Westmeath from this year’s round of funding are:

• Horseleap-Streamstown Community Association: €50,000 for renovation and improvement works at Horseleap Streamstown Community Centre.

• Athlone-Moate Municipal District: €18,900 for the provision of solar compacting bins.

• Ballymore Community Centre: €38,547 for hall refurbishment works.

• Tang GAA Club: €50,000 for the development of a walkway and the installation of disabled parking bays, railing, and benches.

• Kilbeggan: €17,325 for the provision of energy efficient lanterns on the Abbeybrook to Main Street walking amenity.

• Castletown-Finea, Coole, Whitehall (CFCW): €50,000 for the development of an outdoor, community recreation area.

• Multyfarnham Community Centre: €50,000 for carpark works.