The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced a major expansion of the CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) programme for 2026, bringing new opportunities for rural communities across Ireland — including expanded coverage in parts of County Waterford.
Following a national review of the programme’s eligibility criteria, 110 additional Electoral Divisions across 20 counties have now been included in CLÁR areas. For the first time, more than one million people are now eligible for CLÁR funding.
Expanded CLÁR Areas in Waterford
In County Waterford, the expansion means that additional areas in Ardmore, Lismore, Glenwilliam, Grange and Tallow are now eligible for CLÁR funding.
This change opens up new funding opportunities for community groups, voluntary organisations and local initiatives in these rural communities to support projects that improve facilities, services and quality of life locally.
€12 Million Available Under CLÁR 2026
The 2026 CLÁR programme has now opened for applications with a total budget of €12 million.
The programme supports small-scale capital projects that make a big difference in rural communities, with funding available across three measures.
Measure 1 – Community Facilities and Amenities
This measure supports the development or enhancement of community infrastructure such as:
-
Sports facilities
-
Youth clubs and teenage spaces
-
Playgrounds and sensory gardens
-
Walking tracks and outdoor amenities
New eligible items for 2026 include:
-
Traffic safety measures linked to community facilities or events
-
Initiatives to help reduce light pollution in rural areas
Applications for Measure 1 are submitted through Waterford City and County Council.
Measure 2 – Community Transport Vehicles
Funding is available for vehicles used by organisations providing:
-
Transport for cancer patients
-
Transport for people with reduced mobility
-
Community First Responder services
-
Meals on Wheels delivery services
Applications for this measure are made directly to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Measure 3 – Our Living Islands
This measure provides targeted support for offshore island communities.
Capacity Building Supports
The Department will host online information sessions for organisations interested in applying:
-
Measure 2 and Measure 3 seminars will take place on Wednesday 25 March 2026
Organisations interested in attending can register by emailing clar@drcdg.gov.ie.
Find Out More
Community groups interested in developing projects under Measure 1 should contact Waterford City and County Council for guidance.
Full details of the CLÁR programme, including eligibility maps and application guidelines, are available on the Department’s website.