News
Kerry to get over €4m to welcome internationally displaced people
County Kerry is set to get the second largest portion of funding under a new scheme aimed at welcoming people from Ukraine and other countries.
Announced this week by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and Minister of State Joe O’Brien, sports clubs, community organisations, transport infrastructure and local groups are set to benefit from the funding.
A total of €50 million has been allocated under the Community Recognition Fund with every local authority in the country set to receive funds from the scheme.
The money will be divided based on the number of new arrivals located in each local authority area with Kerry County Council to get €4,403,073 under the scheme - the highest figure allocated to any individual county council.
The second highest local authority on the funding list is Donegal County Council which is set to get €3,114,395.
“The people of Kerry have opened their hearts and homes to those forced to flee the war in Ukraine," TD Norma Foley said.
"This funding initiative is designed to specifically support those communities who have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries.
“This funding stream is specifically designed to recognise the vital role our communities are playing in response to this illegal and unjust war, and will support, enhance and improve facilities that are open to the wider community."
When the allocations earmarked for all four Dublin councils (Dublin City Council - €2,392,127; Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council - €707,864, South Dublin County Council - €2,754,305m and Fingal County Council - €1,813,912) are added together, it totals €7,668,208.
Refugee influx paused
Meanwhile the Government has paused new arrivals of people seeking International Protection (IP) into Ireland due a severe shortage of accommodation.
Latest figures by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth say that more than 1,500 people have arrived in Ireland in the first two weeks of the year.
To date, Ireland has accommodated more than 74,000 people who have fled here, between International Protection (IP) applicants and those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The Government was providing temporary accommodation at a Transit Hub at Citywest, Dublin.
“Due to the nationwide shortage of available accommodation for IP applicants, particularly single males, the Transit Hub has been providing emergency shelter while applicants wait to be assigned to accommodation. It is no longer possible to provide emergency shelter to IP adults as the Transit Hub has now reached capacity,” a department statement said.
This decision will not affect those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Free entry for under 18s at Ross Castle
Young people and families can explore Ross Castle free of charge throughout August as part of a national Office of Public Works (OPW) initiative.
The 15th-century stronghold on the shores of Lough Leane will waive admission fees for all visitors under 18 from August 1 to August 31. The scheme aims to make cultural and historic sites more accessible to young people and families during the summer holidays.
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. The promotion applies across fee-paying OPW heritage sites nationwide, excluding Kilmainham Gaol and Brú na Bóinne.
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran, said the initiative offers young people a memorable way to connect with history, nature, and culture over the summer break.
Killarney judoka gain international experience in Bath
Eight members of Killarney Judo Club travelled to England last weekend for an international training camp at the University of Bath, with club member Ciara Forde competing at the West of England competition.
Accompanying five families, the young athletes joined 120 competitors from across the UK for two days of training and sparring in a high-performance environment.
The trip provided many of the judoka with their first opportunity to train alongside international athletes. It also offered members a look at a purpose-built facility, supporting the club’s push for a dedicated dojo at the Derreen Sports Project.
Coach Tim Kelly said:
“This camp gave our players the opportunity to test themselves in a challenging environment. Bath University has a proud history of producing Olympians, and we hope the experience inspires our young judoka to aim even higher.”
The club takes a summer break before returning on August 13 to prepare three members for their Black Belt grading later this year. Children’s classes resume on Monday, September 7. New members can contact Tim Kelly on 086 260 1591.
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