€94,236 for two Mayo projects under CLÁR Programme

TWO community groups in Mayo are set to receive €94,236 under new innovation measures to support diverse range of projects in rural communities.

The projects selected under the 2021 CLÁR Programme were: Eachléim Digital Food Hub - renovation of building and equipment for digital food hub (€44,236); and the Newport dark sky friendly lighting project - to remove existing lighting from the viaduct bridge and church grounds and replace with ecologically friendly lights to enhance the nocturnal environment safely (€50,000).

Acknowledging today's funding and the continued support by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys, Deputy Alan Dillon said: “The CLÁR programme is a great scheme and is designed to support innovative and bold ideas that will make a difference in communities across rural Ireland.

“I congratulate Eachléim Digital Food Hub and the Newport dark sky friendly lighting project who worked alongside Mayo County Council to put forward these initiatives.

“This CLÁR funding will make an important contribution in getting the projects over the line.”

Deputy Michael Ring explained that the funding is part of a new innovation measure designed to support communities in delivering projects that assist with issues such as rural isolation, population decline and social disadvantage.

He commented: “I am pleased to see these two very worthwhile and innovative projects receiving funding in Mayo. I look to forward to seeing the outcome of these projects.”

Senator Lisa Chambers also welcomed the allocations, stating: “It is vital that we invest in our rural towns and villages and support our communities in every way possible and the CLÁR programme is a fantastic way of doing that.”