A total of €596,885 has been allocated as part of a national announcement by the Minister for Rural and Community Development. The investment will enhance local amenities, school grounds, sports clubs and community infrastructure throughout County Clare.

Welcoming the announcement, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy, stated, "This funding is a welcome boost for communities across County Clare. Each of these projects will enhance local facilities that are used daily by families, schools, sports clubs, and residents. I want to thank the community groups involved for their hard work in securing this funding and for their ongoing commitment to improving their areas."

CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) targets rural areas that have experienced significant population decline, backing schools, community groups, sports clubs and voluntary organisations to deliver projects that benefit children, families and the wider community. This year's Clare allocations will support improvements to playgrounds, walking tracks, car parks, public toilets and community sports facilities.

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Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, said: "The CLÁR programme continues to provide vital support in some of our most remote rural areas. These projects help build strong resilient and vibrant communities through the enhancement of existing community facilities and the provision of new amenities to support young and old across a range of services.

The nine Clare recipients are: Dromindoora National School, Caher (€58,500) for an upgrade of the pathway leading to the astroturf; Ogonnelloe Hurling Club, Carrowcore (€65,000) to renovate community rooms; Cooraclare GAA, Cooraclare (€65,000) to enhance and extend the public walking track; Ennistymon Community School, Ennistymon (€100,000) to install new multi-use games areas; Kildysart Playground, Kildysart (€57,050) to upgrade the community playground; Shannon Gaels GAA Club, Kilmurry McMahon (€27,000) for a public toilet upgrade; Coolmeen GAA, Kilrush (€65,000) to upgrade the existing parking area and construct a new ball wall; St Joseph's Miltown Malbay GAA, Miltown Malbay (€59,335) for a car park upgrade; and Bridge Celtic AFC & Bridgetown National School, Bridgetown (€100,000) for a new astroturf pitch.

Senior Executive Officer of Rural and Community Development at Clare County Council, Leonore O'Neill, joined the Cathaoirleach in welcoming the news, saying, "These projects reflect the ambition and dedication of local groups who continually work to provide high-quality amenities for their communities. Today's announcement will help deliver safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable public spaces for people of all ages in towns and villages across Clare."