The success of the CLÁR programme after one year will be officially marked by Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs today at the opening of the new Tooma Bridge, in Cloone, Co. Leitrim at 3.30 p.m.
To date, total funds in the amount of €2,005,836 have been allocated for measures under the CLÁR programme in Co. Leitrim (full breakdown attached). Co. Leitrim is unique in that the entire county is included in the CLÁR programme. However, through matching funding the total investment attracted is much greater and could reach three times that figure.
"In the last three quarters of a century, Leitrim has suffered continuing population and economic decline. From 1926 - 1996, the number of people living in this county has decreased by 58%. That's nearly 6 out of every 10 people, 60 out of every 100. Is it any wonder that schools have closed down and services such as shops, pubs and post-offices are struggling to stay in business? I consider Co. Leitrim my challenge and my yardstick for the CLÁR programme. It is encouraging to note, however, that the preliminary results of the 2002 population census shows that the population of County Leitrim increased by 758 people from 1996 to 2002. This modest increase of 3% is a good omen. This government is committed to stopping the withering, aging and dying process which is destroying rural Ireland. I will measure my success by Co. Leitrim and through initiatives like the CLÁR programme I am determined to see new growth, new life and new hope brought to rural Ireland. We are bringing roads to people without roads, water to those without water and industrial infrastructure to those who wish to develop the economy of Leitrim."
Éamon Ó Cuív T.D.
A full breakdown of funding to date in Co. Leitrim under the CLÁR programme is available from the Press and Information Office. Tel: 01 6473130 or Email: eolas@pobail.ie
Note for Editors;
CLÁR is a programme designed to tackle the problem of depopulation, decline and lack of services in rural areas. The 16 areas included in the CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Ard-Riachtanais/Programme for Revitalising Rural Areas) programme include parts of the counties of Connacht/Ulster, parts of five counties in Munster as well as parts of four counties in Leinster. The areas selected are those, which have suffered the greatest depopulation since independence, with the exception of the Cooley peninsula (which has been included based on the serious difficulties caused by Foot and Mouth Disease). On average, these areas have lost 50% of their population in the last 75 years.
Areas to be targeted under the CLÁR Programme.
Region 1. South West Cork & South Kerry, (parts of)
Region 2. South West Kerry
Region 3. North West Cork & Mid East Kerry, (parts of)
Region 4. Tipperary & North East Limerick, (parts of)
Region 5. North East Clare & South East Galway, (parts of)
Region 6. West Clare
Region 7. West Galway & South West Mayo, (parts of)
Region 8. North West & Central Mayo
Region 9. West Sligo & North East Mayo
Region 10. North Galway, East Mayo & North West Roscommon, (parts of)
Region 11. South Sligo, North Roscommon & South West Longford, South Westmeath(parts of)
Region 12. South Leitrim, North Longford, South West Cavan, North/West Meath & North Westmeath, (parts of)
Region 13. Leitrim, North West Cavan, North East Roscommon & East Sligo, (parts of)
Region 14. Donegal, (parts of)
Region 15. West Monaghan & South East Cavan, (parts of)
Region 16. Louth, (The Cooley Peninsula).