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Killarney behind when it comes to grant funding

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By Anne Lucey

 

Municipal districts in Kerry show marked difference in their ability and success in drawing down matching central Government funding for projects in their towns - with Killarney trailing far behind Tralee as well as the much smaller Listowel.

Budget documents released at a series of individual Municipal District budget meetings at Aras an Chontae Tralee as of last Friday revealed how projects to the value of €7.5 million were netted by Tralee in 2019.

In contrast, Killarney’s efforts netted €1.64 million grants for projects with a total value of €2.5 million. It is understood that Killarney put forward a number of projects including a redesign of the Haha and the Flesk cycleway and walkway, but most were turned down.

The Killarney projects which did attract grants this year included the redevelopment of the Cultural Centre €120,000 of tourism grants; public Wi-Fi in the town centre € 30,000; promotion of cycling stands €16,000; Kenmare Road Parking areas upgrade €160,000 along with monies for schemes in Rathmore and Barraduff.

The Áras Phádraig “Masterplan” got a grant of €112,000 while €15,000 from the Department of Children went towards the playground extension; there was €25,000 towards the Killarney Micro Track Project and two men’s shed projects netted €8,600 in Community Enhancement support grants.

The Listowel District had managed to draw down €3.9 million in grants in 2019.

Mayor of Kerry, Killarney councillor Niall Kelleher said projects like the Haha may be eligible for funding from the roads authority this year. He voted against the 2020 budget plan for Killarney because the town does not get its fair share.

The five other Killarney councillors sought updates on the Bohereen na Goun, Pretty Polly and Áras Phádraig projects, before approving the draft plan.

The allocation for Killarney in 2020 is just over €402,000, which could attract in far more in terms of grants, Town Manager Angela McAllen outlined.

 

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Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

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O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Muckross co-driver Noel O’Sullivan is set for a busy season as he returns to the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) while also preparing for a record-breaking attempt on home soil.

O’Sullivan and driver Callum Devine have signed with the Swedish team JC Raceteknik for a full campaign focused on asphalt events. Their season begins this week at the Andalusia Rally – Sierra Morena in Spain. O’Sullivan remains the only Killarney-based co-driver competing at this level for a full season.
He brings significant international experience to the team, having previously worked with WRC driver Jon Armstrong during his early European outings. O’Sullivan and Devine recently proved their pace against top European crews with a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Rali Ceredigion in Wales.
Devine said:
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the ERC. It’s always great for a driver to compete against Europe’s best on some iconic events. We’ve had great success back home in Ireland over the past few seasons, winning two Irish Tarmac Rally Championships, and we feel now is the right time to come back and take on some ERC events. Starting with Rally Sierra Morena, I’m delighted to be joining JC Raceteknik. I know they are a very professional team with a wealth of experience, and I’m looking forward to working closely with them.”
The European schedule will not interfere with O’Sullivan’s local plans. Following the rally in Spain, the pair will return to Kerry for the Rally of the Lakes over the May Bank Holiday weekend. They are aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in Killarney as they look to move back into the lead of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The move to the European stage follows a successful week for O’Sullivan, who was recently named the International Motorsport winner at the Kerry Sports Star Awards.

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June


A new heritage motoring event, the Killarney Classic Tour, has been confirmed for June 26–27, 2026. The two-day tour is designed to celebrate the iconic rally stages of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.


Headquartered at the Gleneagle Hotel, the event is non-competitive and open to a wide range of vintage and historic cars. Organisers are placing a particular focus on period-correct rally cars and recreations that reflect the history of the Circuit of Ireland, the Circuit of Munster, and the early years of the Rally of the Lakes.
The tour is the work of two well-known figures in Irish rallying, Mike Marshall and Micheal O’Mahoney. Marshall, a founding member of the Rally of the Lakes and Clerk of the Course for over 20 years, has designed a route that allows drivers to experience famous stages like Moll’s Gap at a relaxed pace. O’Mahoney, a long-term supporter of the sport through Rentokil and a historic car owner himself, joins Marshall in the venture.

Co-Founder O’Mahoney said:
“This event is about bringing people back together – the cars, the stories, and the friendships that have always been part of rallying. It’s a chance to step away from competition and simply enjoy these roads.”



The Saturday itinerary includes a lunch stop in Castletownbere before the field returns to Killarney for a gala dinner at the Gleneagle Hotel. The evening will feature guest speakers and a focus on the shared history of the sport.
“This event is about bringing people back together — the cars, the stories, and the friendships,” added Micheal O’Mahoney.
Registrations are now open at www.KillarneyClassicTour.ie.

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