Clare County Council and the Clare Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is inviting applications for a new programme which provides funding to communities in Ireland.

Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP), will provide €4.5 million of grant funding in 2018 towards enhancing the facilities available to communities. The fund for Clare in 2018 will be €139,257 and will be managed by the Clare Local Community Development Committee.

The CEP programme replaces and builds on two existing schemes (Communities Facilities Scheme and RAPID). Combining these schemes will make for a more flexible, streamlined and targeted approach to providing funding to those communities most in need, while reducing the level of administration involved. Typical enhancements under the programme could include the renovation of community centres, community amenities, improvements to town parks, common areas and spaces, CCTV equipment and energy efficiency-type projects.

Funding under the programme will be aimed at addressing disadvantage as identified in the Clare Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). Further details are available from the Rural Development Department at Clare County Council or online at www.clarecoco.ie/community/grants.