Over €70k funding for festivals and community groups

The future of some of Killarney’s biggest festivals are secure after receiving €70,000 funding under the Community Support Fund.

| By Sean Moriarty

A total of 26 groups and projects in the wider Killarney area are set to receive funding. The biggest project was Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce which will get €25,000.

The Wander Wild Festival is in line for €10,000, a total of €8,000 has been allocated to the Christmas in Killarney Festival, and the 4th July Festival will get €4,000.

These are just some of the local organisations and clubs in the area that received funding.

The hugely important role played by annual festivals in generating visitor num- bers and boosting the profile of Killarney has been stressed by Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.

The Chamber said the financial support will help to ensure the events can prosper and grow and continue to provide a great entertainment outlet for local people as well as visitors.

Joint Chamber President, Pádraig Treacy, thanked the officials and elected members of Kerry County Council for recognising the role the annual festivals have to play and for their ongoing support which is greatly appreciated.

“Working together, Kerry County Council and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, together with other agencies involved and the dozens of dedicated volunteers, can ensure that Killarney continues to be a great town to visit, a great town to do business in and a great town to live in,” he said.

“Our festivals are hugely popular and, in addition to attracting so many people, they greatly enhance Killarney’s reputation as a quality place to spend time in,” Mr Treacy said.

Kerry County Council managed the allocation. A total of €750,000 in funding support was granted to community groups and projects across the county. The fund, which is in its ninth year, has now supported 1,974 projects since 2015 to the value of €6.256m.

Councillors in the five Municipal Districts met last week to decide on the allocations and unanimously welcomed the provision of support to the recipients.