€2.5 million boost for rural community transport services
Minister Dara Calleary TD unveiled €2.5 million to fund 44 vehicles for rural communities under the CLÁR programme. The investment will support mobility services, cancer care transport and meals-on-wheels deliveries across designated areas.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, today announced a €2.5 million allocation to deliver 44 vehicles under Measure 2 of the 2026 CLÁR programme. The funding will empower community and voluntary organisations to maintain essential services for people with reduced mobility, those attending cancer treatments and vulnerable residents relying on meals-on-wheels deliveries. It will also support first responders, search and rescue teams and other lifeline services in rural Ireland.
Among the projects benefiting from this investment are vehicles for community transport schemes, cancer care access programmes and meals-on-wheels services. Speaking at the announcement, Minister Calleary emphasised the programme’s expanded reach, noting that 110 new Electoral Divisions—home to nearly 150,000 people—have been designated as CLÁR areas for the first time. This expansion, a Programme for Government commitment, now makes over one million people across Ireland eligible for funding.
Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer TD, highlighted the transformative impact of these vehicles on rural communities. He underscored the programme’s role in supporting those most in need, from mobility assistance to emergency response services. Further allocations under Measures 1 and 3 of the 2026 CLÁR programme will be announced later this year. Details of the 44 projects are available on the official website.
Among the projects benefiting from this investment are vehicles for community transport schemes, cancer care access programmes and meals-on-wheels services. Speaking at the announcement, Minister Calleary emphasised the programme’s expanded reach, noting that 110 new Electoral Divisions—home to nearly 150,000 people—have been designated as CLÁR areas for the first time. This expansion, a Programme for Government commitment, now makes over one million people across Ireland eligible for funding.
Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer TD, highlighted the transformative impact of these vehicles on rural communities. He underscored the programme’s role in supporting those most in need, from mobility assistance to emergency response services. Further allocations under Measures 1 and 3 of the 2026 CLÁR programme will be announced later this year. Details of the 44 projects are available on the official website.
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