Three communities in West Waterford have received €144,000 in CLÁR funding, as part of €4.2 million distributed nationwide for 104 different projects.
Funding has been allocated for improvements in the villages of Aglish, Villierstown and Kilbrien - with the announcement made by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.
CLÁR provides funding for small scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of population decline. The programme is one element of the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Rural Development Investment Programme, which provides a package of co-ordinated and complementary supports for rural areas.
Villierstown School and Villierstown Tidy Towns have received €49,500 for the construction of a section of new footpath & the upgrading of the footpath linking the school to the village, it's amenities and adjacent housing estates. The project includes upgrading public lighting & drainage along the route.
Aglish School and Aglish Tidy Towns have also been granted €49,500. The money will be spent providing new footpaths which provide connectivity between existing housing estates and dwellings within the centre of the village. Public lighting will also be upgraded, with traffic calming measures put in place.
Kilbrien Community Centre has been given €45,000 for public lighting provision and footpaths for safety measures within.
Welcoming the announcement, Fine Gael Senator John Cummins said these works will help improve these vibrant communities:
"The projects announced today will help to improve safety around schools and community facilities and I know they will warmly welcomed in these three vibrant communities. I’d like to compliment the community groups in these areas who have worked extensively on these applications in conjunction with Waterford City & County Council and I hope that work will be able to commence on these projects without delay”.
Minister Humphries says this year's programme puts young people at the forefront.
“The CLÁR Programme 2021 puts our young people at the fore. From investing in our schools, playgrounds, outdoor amenities, and other projects – we are demonstrating the value and appreciation we have for the leaders of the future. If the Pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that our young people are our shining lights. Investing in them is an investment in our future – that’s what today’s announcement is all about. This particular announcement under my Department’s CLÁR Programme is the perfect example of why ‘Our Rural Future’ will be a game changer for Rural Ireland. I also hope to make further announcements under Measure 3 of the CLÁR programme shortly.”
