Poor Drawdown Rate For Rural Rejuvenation Schemes In Clare

Less than half of the 2.2 million euro in funding announced for for a range of rural rejuvenation schemes in Clare has been drawn down.

For two schemes, no money whatsoever has been accessed even though hundreds of thousands is in place.

The Council insists the money won’t be lost, however

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Under four separate funding programmes – the Local Improvement Scheme, the Town and Village renewal scheme, Clár and the Rural Recreation programme – Clare has been awarded a total of just under 2.2 million euro this year.

Each scheme is designed to boost rural areas, and while the need for such funding is not questioned, a total of 1.16 million euro for Clare remains untouched.

None of the 944 thousand euro announced under the highly-trumpeted Town and Village Renewal Scheme has been drawn down as of yet, along with over 100 thousand euro under the Rural Recreation Scheme.

All of the 866 thousand euro for Clare under the Local Improvement Scheme, which pays for works on smaller roads, has been availed of along with just under half of the 323 thousand of Clár money – that targets areas that have suffered population decline.

The figures date back to December 6th and in response, the Council has told Clare FM that the deadlines for some schemes have been extended, and that a number of projects are either completed or at an advanced stage.

The Council insists that all projects will be finished during 2018, and that all of the money will be put to use.
Statement from Clare County Council

Clare County Council has received approval from the Department of Rural and Community Development for a number of significant community projects and this funding and recognition is very much appreciated. All projects are of a capital nature and regulatory conditions apply. All projects are also weather dependent.

With regard to the 33 projects which received approval during the latter half of 2016 under the CLAR, Town and Village, Recreation and REDZ initiatives, all bar two projects are completed. These projects will be completed by the end of January 2018 and all funding has been drawn down.

With regard to 53 projects which received approval in the second half of 2017 under the CLAR, Town and Village, Outdoor Recreation and LIS initiatives, a significant number of projects are fully completed and a significant number are at an advanced stage. All projects will be completed during 2018.

The Department recently advised the Council that the drawdown deadline has been extended for all Rural Schemes.