Six Kerry organisations are to receive €257,950 in funding under the CLÁR programme.

The funding, welcomed by Minster for Education and Kerry TD Norma Foley this afternoon, is part of a new Innovation Measure designed to support communities in delivering projects that assist with issues such as rural isolation, population decline and social disadvantage.

Baile Mhuire Day Care in Tralee will receive €50,000 to develop an App designed to create an informative and supportive hub for current service users.

Living Iveragh DAC with SMARTlab Skelligs will receive €50,000 to develop a Research and Development Innovation Centre of Excellence focused on STEAM, Design Thinking, Leadership and Youth-led Innovation through practical training in design and regular youth innovation cafes.

The Kerry Diocesan Youth Service (KDYS), Cahersiveen Social Services and the University of Limerick will receive €50,000 for an initiative to address IT poverty among older residents in South Kerry.

Mid Kerry Tourism Cluster (Including Reeks District) will receive €28,500 to develop digital infrastructure and marketing.

Tureencahill Community Group will receive €29,450 to transform a handball alley into an outdoor performance area and to develop a needs analysis for the area for medium to long term planning.

Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality will receive €50,000 to establish an arts-based equality, rights and diversity programme with schools and communities.
 
“This is welcome funding that will ensure that six forward thinking community groups and organisations can continue to use pioneering technology and innovation to provide excellent care, inclusive initiatives and vital services to the people of Kerry,” Minister Foley said.