The three clubs behind the new sports facility at Dereen say they are hopeful that construction can begin later this year.

The new sports hall is a project spearheaded by the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club with an input and commitment from St Paul’s Basketball Club and Killarney Judo Club.

Last year Kerry County Council earmarked land for the community hall development which is adjacent to the Killarney Celtic grounds and Killarney Legion GAA Club.

Plans are in place for the construction of a single-storey building accommodating a double basketball hall, multi-functional room, changing rooms, toilets, a gym, storage rooms and a coffee room.

The development will also include a judo room, an outdoor playground, car parking and associated roadway improvements.

“‘We are delighted that the new development in Dereen is starting to take shape. It is expected that the builders for the development will be named in the very near future, with the expectation that the building will be watertight by the end of 2024,” said a St Paul’s Basketball Club statement.

“We are extremely grateful to Kerry County Council management Moira Murrell, Angela McAllen , David Doyle for their massive support.

“Also the elected members of Kerry Council Council and the Killarney Municipal District for their unstinting and unanimous backing of the project. It would be remiss though not to highlight the role of Councillor Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan in this project. As a member of our club for over 35 years he has garnered support , liaised with all parties involved and cajoled to help make this possible. The amount of time and effort he has put into making this happy is incalculable and for that as a club we will be eternally grateful.”