In 2003, an application and business plan was prepared for R.R.D. Ltd. for LEADER funds for the final phase of the construction of the Aistear. It involved upgrading all the pathways and installation of kerbing, creating a new entrance and spiral walk at the harbour exit, the installation of a new community public lighting system, the furnishing of the workshop and kitchenette, the purchase of the most modern equipment for the office as a community resource, signage, the production of booklets and brochures, a journal and a documentary on the Aistear itself.

While initially grant aid was allocated for the final stage from the LEADER funds, it took three years to raise the matched funds to complete the project. During that period the spotlighting system, which floodlit the maze, was destroyed and stolen. Subsequently the Company not only managed to secure the funds for a new public lighting system, but it was installed under Clare County Council’s Community Lighting System. Although the initial costs were borne by the group, this meant that the long term external lighting costs of the Aistear came under the remit of Clare County Council. This was indeed a bonus as the electrical costs of the office workshop and park were high and had to be sourced annually through activities held in the workshop. 

It became a regular feature of everyday life to focus on where the finance for the development of the Aistear was going to be found. Matched funding was required for the LEADER grant aid. This was secured through Bank and Credit Union loans. The loans were sizeable and required the personal securities of the members of the Company. The loans were secured on the strength of the grant aid which had been approved. Since payment of grant aid was made on completion of the project the loans ensured that the materials could be purchased in advance and the work completed by the FÁS CEP. Due to the constraints encountered in securing the finance for phases 2 and 3, the Company decided that finance for the final stage of the construction had to be secured in advance. Valuable information was provided by Minister of State, Mr. Tony Killeen T.D. on securing funds the Company were unaware of. Throughout the three-year process of sourcing funds, the work did not stop and eventually the finance was secured from a multiplicity of sources. They included Clare County Council Urban and Village Renewal Scheme, Pobal and the HSE as well as sponsorship from Coillte and individual donations.  

In 2006, another opportunity arose to help match-fund the final stages of the Aistear. The Company submitted for the work on a feasibility study which was funded under the LEADER programme and applied for by the Iniscealtra Festival of Arts Committee. The Festival of Arts Committee had applied to RRD Ltd. to complete a feasibility study that would determine the need for a new Community and Arts Centre in the village. By completing the study voluntarily, the Company felt that not only would all debts be paid on the Aistear, but that the work involved would be finally completed as well. The Company were approved to complete the study.

The Construction of Aistear InisCealtra - a pictorial journey