THERE has been a major expansion to the CLÁR Programme, with a total of 24 new electoral divisions in Donegal designated as CLÁR areas.
The announcement was made today by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD.
This follows a commitment given in the Programme for Government to carry out a comprehensive review of the eligibility criteria of CLÁR with a view to expanding the programme to rural areas which were previously ineligible.
That review was completed by the All-Island Research Observatory in Maynooth University.
The Pobal HP Deprivation Index and the CSO Urban and Rural Life in Ireland classification were used to identify areas classified as highly rural and remote while also experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.
The 24 new electoral areas that have been designated as CLÁR areas are:
Ballintra, Ballyliffin, Ballyshannon Rural, Ballyshannon Urban, Bundoran Urban, Carndonagh, Castlefinn, Clonleigh North, Clonleigh South, Convoy, Donegal, Figart, Inch Island, Killygordon, Kilmacrennan, Manorcunningham, Mintiaghs, Newtowncunningham, Raphoe, Ramelton, St Johnston, Straid, Tantrallon and Three Trees.
Donegal Deputy Pat the Cope said the decision represents a long‑overdue recognition of the challenges facing rural and peripheral counties such as Donegal.
He noted that the inclusion of additional Donegal areas will open new opportunities for investment in community facilities, transport supports, development.
Deputy Gallagher also welcomed the increased €12 million budget for the 2026 programme.
He said it will help ensure that rural counties receive the level of support needed to sustain population, improve quality of life and maintain essential services.
Meanwhile, , Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, said the 2026 CLÁR programme, with an increased budget of €12 million, is now open for applications.
“I would encourage community groups in Donegal that are eligible to make an application. For the first time over one million people are now eligible for support in CLÁR areas,” the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy said.
“For many years, the CLÁR Programme has provided funding to develop and support our rural communities in Donegal, making them more resilient, and more inviting places to live, work and visit. Groups right across Donegal have benefitted under CLÁR and this announcement means that even more communities will be able to avail of the programme.
“The CLÁR Programme helps fund community projects such as playgrounds, sports facilities, youth spaces, walking tracks and sensory gardens. New measures include supports for traffic safety near community facilities and light pollution reduction.”
