€443,849 announced for community and sports facilities in north Louth

A total of €443,849 has been announced for community and sports facilities in Louth under the CLÁR Programme, it was announced today by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD.

The CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) programme provides funding for small scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The scheme supports the development of remote rural areas through small-scale capital projects involving collaboration between local authorities (LAs) and communities, as well as for other community-based organisations.

The breakdown of the Louth funding is as follows:

• Carlingford - St. Mary’s Parochial Hall/Cooley Kickhams GFC - Construction of new and resurfacing of existing car park - €99,137
• Carlingford - Carlingford Tidy Towns - Replacement of outdoor exercise equipment on village green - €31,635
• Jenkinstown - St. Patrick's GFC - Upgrade toilet, car park, seating and dug out - €90,000
• Omeath - Omeath Tidy Towns - Sensory musical & play units, seated train & biodiversity info signs at play park - €23,562
• Omeath - Cúchulainn Gaels GFC - Two storage units - €65,000
• Ravensdale - Ravensdale Sports Club CLG - Tarmac walkway - €52,700
• Ravensdale - Dulargy National School - Resurface play area - €34,046
• Riverstown - Rathcor National School - Fencing alongside playing field  - €8,117
• Riverstown - Rathcor National School - Construction of garden room /community meeting room - €39,653

News of the funding was welcomed by Dundalk-Carlingford local representative, Sinn Féin's Cllr Antóin Watters, who said on social media today that: "I am particularly proud to have prepared and supported the Rathcor National School and Cooley Parish/Cooley Kickhams applications. The projects will make a huge difference to both the school and road safety and parking respectively."

Read also: Dundalk Carlingford Greenway third Public Consultation now open

The news was also welcomed by Louth Fine Gael TD, Paula Butterly, who said: “This is excellent news for Louth and a real endorsement of the great work being done by local groups here.

“The Community facilities receiving this funding will provide long-lasting benefits, improving key amenities and ensuring that communities across Louth continue to flourish.

“This funding will help create better environments for people to come together, whether it’s for sports, cultural events, or simply to enjoy time in shared spaces."

Deputy Butterly continued: “This funding also reflects the dedication of our local groups and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to push these projects forward. Their passion for making Louth the best it can has been central to today’s success."

Louth Fianna Fáil TD, Erin McGreehan, welcomed news of the funding, saying that: “This funding will make a real difference in people’s lives, helping to improve local facilities, create safer and more accessible spaces, and bring communities closer together. 

“It helps us create strong, resilient, and vibrant communities where families can thrive, young people can grow and stay close to home, and local clubs and schools can continue to flourish.

“Initiatives like this demonstrate the real impact that can be achieved when communities, local representatives, and government work together to deliver positive, lasting change.”

With today’s announcement, over €14 million has now been allocated nationallyunder the CLÁR Programme this year, the highest annual amount since the scheme was reintroduced in 2016.