11. Are application forms needed? Should feasibility studies be proposed?
There is no need to do this at the first phase of consultation. The most important thing at this stage is that various individuals and groups would make their priorities known to the local County Development Board. If studies and other information are available on a project, including commitments of State funding, this information should be provided to the local CDB.
12. If a proposal has already been forwarded to the Department will a new one have to be made up for CLÁR?
There is no need to make up a new proposal. You should forward the up to date proposal with all relevant information to the County Development Board for inclusion in their submission to the Department.
13. We have already been turned down by the relevant Agencies, is there any point applying to your Department?
Obviously this would depend on the circumstances of the refusal but it is a fundamental principal of CLÁR that the relevant mainstream Department would have to approve the project for it to receive any direct funding from the CLÁR Initiative.
14. If we have approval for funding under CLÁR, will we lose other funding?
The answer is no. The principal of additionality is central to CLÁR. The whole idea of CLÁR is to try and attract other funding to these areas and therefore one of the fundamental aspects of CLÁR is that it seeks to encourage matching funding and therefore maximise the impact of the initiative in your area.
15. Is there a closing date for CLÁR?
There is no closing date for CLÁR. This will be a rolling programme. This programme will be subject to constant amendment and development as things proceed.
16. Why is CLÁR being started so speedily?
There are a number of reasons for this. It included the fact that a large number of plans have been developed for rural Ireland and that what is needed now is implementation, which is exactly what CLÁR is about. Furthermore, CLÁR is attached to the National Development Plan, which runs from 2001 to 2006. It is vital that CLÁR has the maximum time under the NDP so that the effect in each area is maximised. Furthermore, the €25.4m is being made available over a two year period 2002 & 2003. It is essential, the projects are ready and chosen early in the year to allow full expenditure to take place by year end.
17. Will CLÁR make a difference?
The answer is yes! But it will make more difference to those communities who now grasp this unique opportunity fully and participate as actively and as positively as possible in the initiative, allowing for the different size and capacity of the various areas.
