Press release
Minister Ring announces CLÁR funding of over €567,000 for 30 first responder organisations in rural areas
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Mr. Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development , today announced details of funding of over €567,000 to 30 first responder organisations in rural areas under Measure 3a (First Responders Support) of the 2019 CLÁR Programme.
The funding will go towards a range of supports including:
- vital vehicles and trailers for rescue groups,
- training materials for local ambulance groups, and
- defibrillators and cabinets for local communities.
Speaking today, Minister Ring said:
“I am delighted to be in a position to announce further funding under the CLÁR programme of over €567,000 for 30 first responder groups in rural areas around the country who provide an excellent service often under very difficult circumstances.
“These community-based volunteer organisations perform life-saving work. They need to have proper vehicles and equipment to make sure that they can perform their work and that’s exactly what the funding I am announcing today will provide. This support will mean that if someone gets into difficulty, these groups will be better equipped to help them.
“Today’s announcement builds on the funding of €2.4 million that I have provided to organisations around the country since 2017 under this measure. Since I reintroduced the CLÁR Programme in 2016, it has provided funding to over 2,000 projects throughout the country under various measures.
“I’m delighted to support these community-based organisations in the vital work they do. This government supports and invests in community groups throughout the country because we recognise the invaluable contribution they make to our society.
“No one epitomises this contribution more than voluntary first responder groups. I have great respect for the volunteers that put themselves on the line in order to help others. I know that this funding will go towards keeping members of our communities safe and well.”
ENDS
Note for editors
CLÁR provides funding for small scale capital projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation. The programme forms part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development which was launched in January 2017. The CLÁR programme is also an important part of the overall integrated strategy to support stronger rural economies and communities for Rural Development through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund as outlined in Project Ireland 2040.
CLÁR 2019 was announced in February 2019 with applications invited under three measures:
Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety measures
Measure 2: Play Areas (including Multi-Use Games Areas)
Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Supports (new in 2019), comprising:
Measure 3a: First Response Support
Measure 3b: Mobility and Cancer Care Transport
Measure 3c: Sensory Gardens
Measure 3a was open for applications from established organisations/groups that operate entirely on a voluntary basis, and who are involved in emergency rescue/first response efforts.
Organisations approved for funding Measure 3a (First Responders Support) of the 2019 CLÁR Programme are available below
