Category Archives: Press Releases

Curravagh National School secures CLÁR funding

Press release
Curravagh National School secures CLÁR funding

Fianna Fáil Councillor, John Paul Feeley has welcomed the allocation of funding under Measure 2 of the CLÁR program which will improve car parking facilities, footpaths and access to Curravagh National School, Glangevlin.
“This school is one of the smallest national schools in the county and has been severely affected by the decline in rural population. Nonetheless, Tara McGovern and her staff provide a top-class learning environment for the children attending. Over eight years ago substantial funding was secured to overhaul the school building and put in place facilities which should see the school in good stead for many years to come. The additional funding of approximately €15,000 will improve safety for staff and children alike along the Glangevlin to Dowra Road. Additional parking, better sightlines and new footpaths will be installed with this welcome allocation under the claw program.’
Councillor Feeley noted that assisting in the provision of infrastructure in communities such as Glangevlin and Curravagh National School such as of our was precisely what was intended by the then Minister for Rural Affairs Eamon Ō Cuiv, TD when he introduced the CLÁR initially. Councillor Feeley continued that unfortunately the focus of the CLÁR program has now been moved very far from its initial intent and communities such as those in Glangevlin and West Cavan are going to suffer the consequence of the decision of this Fine Gael Government.

ENDS

14th June 2017

Contact: (087) 698 9304

Kildallan national school shares in CLÁR Programme

Press release

Kildallan National School shares in CLÁR Programme

Fianna Fáil Councillor, John Paul Feeley has welcomed the allocation of funding under the CLÁR Programme towards the provision of a new 40m footpath along the boundary wall, the provision of car and bus parking facilities along a section of the roadway and provide appropriate road markings adjacent to Kildallan National School.
“This rural school has seen significant growth in numbers in recent years and has benefited from a substantial extension officially opened by then Minister, Brendan Smith TD. This new investment though not a significant amount of money will, I hope significantly improve safety for children, parents and staff alike and enhance the school generally.”
‘Bettering the infrastructure in schools such as Kildallan is essential to supporting these communities and ensuring that they have the type of infrastructure appropriate to sustaining these communities into the future and whatever investment is made in these areas is good value for money. Regrettably not nearly enough money has been allocated over the years to communities such as Kildallan and this is a matter which must urgently be addressed in the future by government.’

ENDS

14th June 2017

Contact: (087) 698 9304

€18,000 for Trivia House Swanlinbar under CLÁR Programme

Press release
€18,000 for Trivia House Swanlinbar under CLÁR Programme

Fianna Fáil Councillor, John Paul is warmly welcome the allocation of €18,000 to Swanlinbar Development Association to carry out works on the car park at trivia house to include surface drainage, levelling completion of tarmacadam finishing and marking of spaces including that for disabled persons.
“The Development Association in Swanlinbar have, despite the economic challenges persisted over the years in taking on projects to enhance their community. Their ongoing work to develop Trivia House as a focal point for the community is to be commended. This funding will allow them to do much-needed work to make the building more accessible and appealing for visitors and indeed safer also.”
‘In recent times the bridge on the N 87, in the village has been replaced and the footpads and lighting thereon upgraded. In addition, following representations from me Cavan County Council undertook work to replace sections of footpath and carry out repairs to improve pedestrian safety in the village.’
Councillor Feeley also noted the allocation under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme which should further enhance the village and which it is hoped will in particular allow for the further development of Trivia House as an amenity for visitors and locals alike.

ENDS

14th June 2017

Contact: (087) 698 9304

Applicants for CLÁR funding must act without delay – Feeley

Communities and in particular, schools must act if they wish to benefit under the 2017 CLÁR Programme as the deadline for return of applications to the local authorities is 24th April 2017 and in turn Councils must get the applications in to the Department by the 5th May 2017 according to Fianna Fáil Councillor, John Paul Feeley.
‘The CLÁR funding does offer an opportunity to the most disadvantaged communities in the country to benefit with assistance aimed at safety measures at schools and community facilities and also towards the provision of playgrounds. However, given the tight deadlines it will be a major challenge for the Councils and local communities to get all the necessary information together to lodge applications in time.’
Furthermore there are significant restrictions under the 2017 Programme which limits each county to twenty applications. Last year many schools received small funds but this year it will substantially restrict the number of communities which can benefit.
‘The Department have washed their hands of the bulk of the decision making in that they have restricted the number of applications which they will accept, they have also learned nothing from the tight deadlines they imposed in 2016. CLÁR communities are the weakest and most disadvantaged in the country so for them to be expected to turn applications around in that short of period is most difficult. It also places a huge burden over a short period on already hard pressed staff in local authorities.’
Concluding, Councillor Feeley stated that irrespective of the challenges, community groups and school Boards of Management should arrange to contact their local municipal district office as a matter of urgency to ensure that all monies are drawn down.
ENDS