The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, has welcomed the launch of the CLÁR 2026 fund, announced by Minister Dara Calleary at the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The scheme supports small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas experiencing significant population decline, promotes sustainable development and aims to encourage more people to live and work in those communities.

CLÁR 2026 provides funding under three measures: Measure 1 (Developing Community Facilities & Amenities); Measure 2 (Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport); and Measure 3 ("Our Living Islands").

Cork County Council is inviting applications from local community groups under Measure 1, with grants ranging from a minimum of €5,000 to a maximum of €65,000. The 2026 scheme also permits two applications seeking up to €100,000, and, for Gaeltacht areas, two additional applications between €5,000 and €65,000. Measures 2 and 3 will be administered directly by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

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Mayor Linehan Foley said: "The CLÁR programme continues to offer communities a valuable opportunity to develop and enhance local recreational and community facilities. Cork County Council achieved strong success under last year’s programme, securing approval for ten applications under CLÁR Measure 1 from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

"The 2026 fund supported a wide range of beneficial projects across the county, including improvements to pitch lighting, the refurbishment of playgrounds, the development of woodland walks, and upgrades to community centres. The programme has also been extended this year to include the towns of Buttevant and Doneraile. I encourage community groups to engage with their local Municipal District Office and bring forward suitable project proposals."

The scheme will finance up to 90% of project costs, with the remaining 10% to be provided in cash by local authority, community or other sources. Philanthropic contributions will be accepted as full or part of the match funding, which must be in place at the time of application.

Applications should be submitted to the relevant Municipal District Office by Friday 29 May 2026.