A SERIES of walk-in clinics to support communities in preparing their applications for schemes that are presently open, including the Local Area Grant Scheme 2024, are taking place across Clare this week.

Community, group and club representatives will be able to discuss their projects with the local authority’s four Rural and Community Development Officers, namely Grainne McCormack (Shannon), Seamus Murrihy (West Clare), Niamh Wiley (North Clare & Ennis) and Darren Carroll (Killaloe).

The events take place at: at Doonbeg Community Centre (10am-1pm) and Miltown Malbay Community Centre (2pm-5pm) on Tuesday, January 30; Clarecare, Killaloe (10am-1pm) and Killaloe Municipal District Office, Scariff (2pm-5pm) on Wednesday, January 31; and at Treacy’s Oakwood Arms, Shannon (10am-1pm), The Bridge Complex, Sixmilebridge (2pm-4pm) and Áras Contae an Chláir, Ennis (4.30pm-7pm) on Thursday, February 1.

Earlier this week, events were also held at Teach Ceoil Corofin and An Teach Ceoil, Ennistymon. Anne Haugh, Director of Rural and Community Development with Clare County Council commented, “Our four Rural and Community Development Officers (RCDO) engage with communities across Clare on an ongoing basis to promote collaboration and shared approaches to tackling the challenges confronting our rural and disadvantaged communities.”

She continued by saying they are inviting local organisations who require assistance in getting a project off the ground to meet with RCDOs at these events.

“The Officers also will provide advice to community groups about how to secure the necessary funding, as well as provide valuable information in relation to the many other supports available for community-based projects.”

Application forms and scheme guidelines are available from www.clarecoco.ie. Clare County Council’s Rural and Community Development Officers may be contacted at RCDO@clarecoco.ie or 065 6846296.