Two north Meath projects to benefit from CLAR funding

A total of €90,649 in CLÁR funding has been allocated to two projects in North Meath as part of a €6.2m announcement made by Rural and Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys today.

The two Meath communities to benefit from the latest round of CLAR funding are Kilskyre and Newcastle, Moynalty.

Kilskyre Tidy Towns secures €40,649, earmarked for critical improvements. This includes additional public lighting, car park resurfacing, and essential maintenance to the boundary wall. Pat Owens, Treasurer of Kilskyre Tidy Towns, welcome the funding, stating: "This funding enables our committee to implement vital safety upgrades to the village. The Tidy Towns Committee is hard-working, and this funding reflects our commitment to ensuring Kilskyre flourishes."

Newcastle Community Development Committee has been granted €50,000 towards the second phase of the refurbishment of the parish hall.

Chairperson of Newcastle Community Development Hugh Lynch and member Dermot Sheridan both highlighted the impact of the funding, stating, "This allocation allows us to execute our plans for the parish hall, making it a welcoming space where the community to gather and socialise”."

Kells Councillor Sarah Reilly, congratulated Kilskyre Tidy Towns and Newcastle Development Committee, emphasising the positive transformation anticipated, stating: "The projects, once completed, will enhance North Meath, significantly."

Cllr Reilly also noted the success of three other CLÁR applications announced before Christmas. Ballinlough GFC, Moylagh GAA, and Carnaross GFC collectively received just under €150,000 in late 2023, bringing the total CLÁR funding awarded to North Meath to just under a quarter of a million euros. She said this substantial investment is expected to further enrich the region's communities and contribute to their continued prosperity.

Menawhile, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said: “I’m delighted today to announce funding of almost €6.2 million, which will see the delivery of 152 high quality community and sports projects nationwide.

“This funding is being provided under the 2023 CLÁR Programme and is all about ensuring that some of our most rural communities benefit from projects that will make them more vibrant places to live, work and visit.

“So from astro-turf pitches, playgrounds and sensory gardens to walking tracks, nature trails, outdoor performance spaces and community cafés – these projects really will make a difference to the lives of people of all ages and abilities.

“This funding is on top of the €4.7 million that I announced in December, which focussed predominantly on supporting our GAA and other sports clubs."