News
Kerry welcomes €10.2m windfall in Leader funding
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THE Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys, has signed a funding agreement with Kerry Local Action Group to approve €10,219,868.29 in funding under the Leader Programme 2020.
The funding will support jobs and investment in Kerry over the next four years.
Funding of €250 million will be distributed to entrepreneurs and community groups throughout Ireland by the Local Action Groups, which are made up of public and private representatives. The Leader programme funds projects under a diverse range of themes that include enterprise development, rural tourism, social inclusion and the environment.
Minister Humphreys said: “The Leader programme will deliver some €250 million into rural towns and villages right across the country over the next four years. By signing the funding agreements with Kerry Local Action Group, we are unlocking €10,219,868.29 in vital funding for rural communities across Kerry.
“I know that communities across Kerry are very eager to access this funding, for the benefit of local groups and organisations. Upon taking over responsibility for rural and regional affairs, I was very keen to ensure the Funding Agreements could be signed as quickly as possible so that this money can start to flow into rural Ireland. Now, the majority of Funding Agreements are being signed, meaning the Local Action Groups can start receiving applications for funding.
“One of the great strengths of the Leader programme is that it puts funding decisions in the hands of the communities where the money is spent; local decisions by local people. The Leader programme will fund a wide variety of projects in Kerry over the coming years; projects large or small; projects with economic, social or environmental dimensions.
“Leader is built on local people facilitated by Local Action Groups. The investment provided through Leader at a national level can only make a meaningful impact with the vision and effort of community groups and entrepreneurs at a local level. I wish the Local Action Group in Kerry the very best and I look forward to facilitating their work, and funding their investments, in the coming years.”
The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys, pictured with Kerry County Council chief executive Moira Murrell, standing, and Norma Moriarty of Kerry Leader Local Action Group. PICTURE: BRIAN MULLIGAN
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
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