Kerry County Council has today (Monday) announced the first of three community funds which will provide significant financial supports to community and voluntary organisations and projects across the county.

The 2022 Community Support Fund was launched today by the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney and details will be announced over the next two weeks of separate funding streams to support some operational costs for community groups as well as investment in festivals and events in the county in 2022.

Community groups can now apply to the Community Support Fund through the Kerry County Council website and the closing date is Monday, February 21. A total of €750,000 is being made available through this year’s scheme. The fund, which is now in its eighth year, has supported over 2,500 projects since 2015.

"I warmly welcome the provision of this funding for community groups," Cllr Moloney said. "Over the past few years, millions have been invested in worthwhile projects and initiatives across the county and which have enormous benefits for every community in the county. I would encourage voluntary and community groups to apply at the earliest opportunity."

There are four main categories eligible for funding this year including:

Rebuilding and Reconnecting Communities
Tidy Towns Initiatives and Amenity Projects
Community Economic Innovation
Community Tourism, Festivals and Events

Queries should be referred by email to the Municipal District which groups are applying to or by contacting the Community and Tourism Department at Kerry County Council on (066) 7183680.

Over the next two weeks, Kerry County Council will publish details of the new Community Activities Fund as well as the Festivals and Events Fund for 2022.