March 18, 2026

CLDC Highlights €7.3 Million Investment While Urging Clare Communities to Engage with Funded Supports

Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is encouraging individuals, community groups and organisations across the county to engage with a wide range of supports currently being delivered—many of which are funded through LEADER and SICAP.

The call follows a recent interview on Clare FM’s Morning Focus (listen below), where CLDC CEO Doirin Graham and SICAP Programme Coordinator Hannah Griffey outlined both the scale of investment across Clare and the practical supports available on the ground right now.

Clare FM Interview with Doirin Graham and Hannah Griffey

In 2025, CLDC oversaw more than €7.3 million in programme investment, supporting initiatives across rural tourism, enterprise, community facilities, training, employment and social inclusion.

Real Projects, Real Impact Across Clare

Speaking to Alan Morrissey on the programme, CLDC highlighted the breadth of LEADER-supported projects already making an impact locally—from tourism and environmental initiatives to the revival of traditional skills such as stone wall building and wool-based enterprises.

Examples include:

  • Social enterprises like the Design Bank in Miltown Malbay
  • Local businesses such as Hazel Mountain Chocolate
  • Community infrastructure including walking trails and local facilities

These projects reflect a wider focus on sustainable rural development, skills, and community-led innovation across the county.

Supporting People Through SICAP

Alongside this, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) continues to provide direct, practical supports to individuals and communities.

Hannah Griffey and Doirin Graham of CLDC

Over the past year, CLDC has:

  • Supported up to 600 people experiencing long-term unemployment
  • Provided ongoing guidance to help people access and sustain employment
  • Worked with communities to build capacity and address disadvantage across multiple platforms

A key focus highlighted in the interview was tackling energy poverty, including support for applicants to access the fully funded Warmer Homes Scheme. CLDC teams are working directly with individuals—particularly those facing digital barriers—to ensure they can apply and benefit.

New initiatives are also emerging, including a community attic insulation project in Ennis, targeting households who may not qualify for existing schemes but still need support.

Quiet Work, Big Difference in Communities

The interview also underscored the often unseen impact of programmes like the Rural Social Scheme and Tús, with workers supporting communities across Clare every day.

From maintaining community centres and sports facilities to supporting Tidy Towns groups and local amenities, this work plays a crucial role in:

  • Sustaining community infrastructure
  • Supporting volunteers
  • Ensuring facilities remain active and accessible

As highlighted during the discussion, these supports are essential to keeping rural communities viable and thriving.

Expanding Community Supports and Facilities

CLDC’s work also extends into areas not always widely recognised, including:

  • A community childcare facility in Kilrush supporting over 70 children
  • The development of Glebe House as a community and family hub
  • The operation of a social enterprise charity shop in Ennis
  • Ongoing management and development of walking trails across the county

Looking ahead, plans are also underway for new community initiatives, including a proposed community park in Kilrush and expanded supports such as community gardens and local hubs.

A Clear Message: Get Involved

While the scale of activity is significant, the message from CLDC is clear:

these supports are in place, they are funded, and they are available—but people need to engage with them.

With a wide range of events, workshops and supports running throughout the year, there is a real opportunity for communities and individuals to access funding, build skills and develop new projects.

📅 Explore upcoming events and opportunities:
https://cldc.ie/events-page/

Whether you are part of a community group, a social enterprise, or an individual looking to progress, now is the time to take advantage of what’s on offer.