Several Killarney-based community groups and sports clubs will benefit from funding announced by Minister for Education and Kerry T.D Norma Foley under the Community Recognition Fund.

In total €50 million is being made available to communities across Ireland to refurbish sports clubs, upgrade playgrounds, parks and walkways as well as enhance school or parish facilities that are open to the wider community after hours or on weekends.

In total Kerry County Council will receive over €4 million to enhance services and facilities that will be used by all members of the community.

Thousands of euros has been confirmed for the Killarney area with the Kerry Stars the biggest winners.

They will get €992,022 to be put towards a social and leisure activity hall for sport and fitness of Special Needs athletes.

The Killarney Immigrant Support Centre (KASI) will receive €250,000 for office and room refurbishments while the Ballyspillane Community and Family Resource Centre will be able to transform storage space into a new consultation therapy and meeting room thanks to a
€22,000 grant.

Listry GAA will get €20,000 to upgrade their existing walking track and make walking track more accessible to all community members.

The Christmas in Killarney Festival will have a new Christmas street lighting display for all to enjoy thanks to €40,000 in funding.

“I am delighted to confirm the news that Kerry will receive over €4 million in funding through the Community Recognition Fund. This fund was created by Government to reward communities and organisations for the outstanding contribution they have made in welcoming and integrating Ukrainians into communities,” said Minister Foley.

This major initiative, the first of its kind, is designed to specifically support communities across the country that have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries.