Kilkenny Council and communities must work together on new rural projects: Minister Phelan
MINISTER and local TD John Paul Phelan has urged Kilkenny County Council and local communities to work together on proposals for infrastructure projects in rural areas that have suffered a significant drop in population.
New measures being funded under the 2019 CLÁR programme include support for schools/community safety measures such as road markings, signs, digital speed safety signs and more; play areas, including multi-use games areas and community well-being supports. These may include first response supports, mobility and cancer care transport, sensory gardens and more.
Minister Phelan said: “The CLÁR programme for 2019 contains exciting new measures. I strongly urge the local authority and groups in Kilkenny to submit proposals to the Department of Rural & Community Development for consideration. The deadline for applications is 25th April 2019.
“In the last two years my Fine Gael colleague Minister Michael Ring allocated €465,397 to 15 community projects in Kilkenny through CLÁR. It never fails to impress me how much can be achieved with relatively modest investments through this programme.
“It is a great example of what can be achieved when everyone works together for the good of the community. This year’s round of funding will see the creation of a “Community Wellbeing Support” measure which will encompass the assistance given in previous years for voluntary first-response organisations; and for mobility and cancer care supports.”
Among the recipients last year were St Eoghan’s National School in Kilmoganny. It received €19,710 to assist with public lighting, speed limits and the upgrading of line markings. St Aidan’s National School got €27,000 for a dedicated car park for the school and Church. Listerlin National School received €18,000 towards two digital speed safety signs and other works while Castlewarren Village Sports Ground got €1,980.
Other beneficiaries included St Nicholas’ National School, which got €37,800. Conahy Community Development was awarded €31,500. Scoil Bhride National School and Lisdowney GAA were awarded €40,500 for digital speed safety signs and associated works.
Other grant recipients included South Kilkenny Historical Society, which was awarded €39,000. Mickalee Community Creche and St Brenda’s National School received €50,000. Crosspatrick Tidy Towns received €20,000, while Clontubrid National School got €26,975.
Full details of the CLÁR programme will be issued to the Local Authorities and other relevant organisations over the coming days.
