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CLÁR programme

Grants for small-scale infrastructure and supports in the most disadvantaged rural areas, run each year under a set of measures, so the amount depends on the measure and the project.

Last checked October 2026

What it is

Funding for small-scale infrastructure and supports in designated disadvantaged rural areas, run each year under a set of measures. The 2026 measures have closed, so watch for the 2027 call.

Who can get it

Your area is a designated CLÁR area (the programme targets rural areas that lost the most population)
Your project fits one of that year's CLÁR measures. In 2026 these were community facilities and amenities, transport for mobility, cancer care, community first responders and Meals on Wheels and 'Our Living Islands'
You are a community group, school, sports club or local body, usually applying through your local authority

Good to know

CLÁR only covers designated CLÁR areas, so the first thing to check is whether your area is included. An additional 110 District Electoral Divisions are now designated CLÁR areas, so check the current map even if your area was not included before.
It runs in annual rounds under specific measures, and the measures change year to year, so what is fundable depends on the current call.
The 2026 measures have closed. Measures 1 and 3 had a 3 July 2026 deadline, Measure 2 has closed and Measure 1 awards are expected around November 2026. Watch the department page for the 2027 call.
Most measures are applied for through your local authority.

How to apply

Applications go through DRCD. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.

Go to the official page →

Checked against the official source on 20 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.

Questions people ask

What is the CLÁR programme?

A programme that funds small-scale infrastructure and supports in the most disadvantaged rural areas, the ones that saw the greatest population decline.

Who can apply?

Community groups, schools, sports clubs and local bodies in designated CLÁR areas, usually applying through their local authority.

What does it fund?

It runs under yearly measures. In 2026 they were community facilities and amenities, transport for mobility, cancer care, community first responders and Meals on Wheels and 'Our Living Islands'. The measures change each year.

How do I know if my area qualifies?

CLÁR only covers designated CLÁR areas. Check the official page or ask your local authority whether your area is included.

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