Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs today announced the local roads projects in CLÁR areas which are to be funded in 2004 in County Mayo. CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais/Programme for Revitalising Rural Areas) is an investment programme designed to tackle the problem of depopulation, decline and lack of services in rural areas.
On 01 March 2004, Minister Ó Cuív and Pat The Cope Gallagher T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government announced that they had allocated €889,793 to County Mayo for expenditure on local roads projects. This money comes from a national €6m co-fund agreed by the two Ministers for CLÁR areas.
Under this scheme Mayo County Council can opt to fund Class II and Class III road projects or fund the installation of flashing amber safety lights at schools. The maximum cost per road project is €30,000 while €7,000 is the limit for the safety lights. This year, Mayo County Council has selected 42 roads projects and 11 flashing lights projects.
"These types of projects often get left to the bottom of the list because there are bigger projects to complete in more populated areas. As Minister for Rural Development, however, it is my job to ensure that rural areas are given a fair chance when it comes to Local Authorities selecting projects. With this scheme, my Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are working for the benefit of depopulated rural communities. Although these projects are relatively small, I have no doubt that their completion will have a disproportionately beneficial effect on these rural communities."
Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D.
"I am delighted that my Department is continuing to link up with CLÁR, through the Non National Roads Programme, to provide additional concentrated support for infrastructure in disadvantaged rural areas. I am confident that the money now being provided will greatly improve the quality of life for people living in these areas."
Pat the Cope Gallagher T.D.