Laois communities boosted by inclusion in national grant programme

Sports clubs, community groups, and schools in more communities around Laois will be able to tap into substantial ringfenced public money to help rural areas that have experienced significant depopulation under new changes.

The Government's CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) provides funding for small-scale infrastructure projects. Managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Laois County Council, it supports community facilities, mobility, cancer care transport, and island development.

Changes announced following a national review add seven Laois Electoral Divisions, representing almost 9,500 people, to be officially designated as CLÁR grant qualification areas.

These areas include Ballylynan, Borris-in-Ossory, Moneymore, Castletown, Mountrath, Rathdowney and Stradbally. Groups in these areas will be able to take advantage of the change in 2026 as the opening of grant applications for the year ahead coincides with the changes announced on March 10. A total of €12 million is available to communities this year.

Everything from sports and leisure facilities, traffic safety and meals on wheels is supported. In 2025, Ballyfin NS was allocated €29,694 to fence its multi-use games area. Donaghmore Famine Museum was allocated €100,000 for new toilets. Slieve Bloom GAA also received €65,000 for a new astroturf pitch. More than €600,000 was allocated to Laois last year.

Laois Government TDs Willie Aird and Seán Fleming welcomed the addition of the new areas.

Dep Aird said the CLÁR programme is an important support for rural Ireland and has consistently demonstrated its value to communities nationwide.

"The wide range of projects eligible for funding is one of its greatest strengths, and today’s announcement will be warmly welcomed across rural Laois,” said the Fine Gael TD.

Dep Fleming explained the potential benefits.

"This will help ensure these communities have access to the same infrastructure and facilities that are available in urban areas.

“The wide range of projects that can be supported under CLÁR continues to be one of the programme’s key strengths, and the announcement will be welcome news for these areas,” said the Fianna Fáil TDs.

The 2026 programme will provide funding under three key measures: more below photo.

Pictured: Donaghmore Famine Museum benefited in 2025.

Measure 1 – Community Facilities & Amenities

Support for the development of community infrastructure including:

• Sports facilities
• Youth clubs and teenage spaces
• Playgrounds and sensory gardens
• Walking tracks and outdoor amenities

New for 2026:

• Funding for traffic safety measures linked to community facilities or events
• Initiatives aimed at reducing light pollution in rural areas

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Measure 2 – Community Transport Supports

Funding for vehicles used by: MORE BELOW PHOTO OF NEW LAOIS CLÁR MAP with all eligible areas.

• Community transport services supporting cancer patients
• Organisations assisting people with reduced mobility
• Community First Responders
• Meals on Wheels groups

Measure 3: Tailored funding for our offshore island communities under the specific ‘Our Living Islands’ measure.

Community groups can cotact Laois County Council regarding applications under Measure 1. Organisations seeking support under Measures 2 and 3 can apply directly to the Department.

The Department will host capacity‑building seminars for organisations interested in Measures 2 and 3 on Wednesday, March 25. Groups can register their interest by emailing clar@drcdg.gov.ie