The home of the GAA in Kerry has been given a badly needed €6 million cash injection, KillarneyToday.com revealed on Sunday night.
The Government has confirmed that amount under the terms of the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund and, in total, €7.75m has been sanctioned for three projects in Killarney.
The stadium grant is phase one of an overall €72m development plan and it is allocated specifically to reconstruct the spectator terrace at the western end of the stadium which is the scoreboard end.
Meanwhile, €1 million has been allocated towards the development of a new sports centre in Derreen which will be used by the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, St Paul’s Basketball Club, Killarney Judo Club and others.
The Government has also approved a grant of €750,000 for Killarney Rugby Club to be spent on clubhouse developments, including changing rooms, shower units, a gym and a first aid room.
The Killarney grants have been welcomed by Kerry Fianna Fáil general election candidate Linda Gordon Kelleher who met with Minister of State for Sport, Thomas Byrne, in Killarney last week.
“I highlighted the pressing need for funding for the three projects to Minister Byrne and I accompanied him on visits to meet officials of a number of local clubs,” she said.
“I welcome this funding and I’m delighted for all involved with Fitzgerald Stadium, the Derreen complex and the rugby club” Ms Gordon Kelleher stated.
The need for funding for Fitzgerald Stadium was also stressed to Finance Minister, Jack Chambers, during his canvassing with the local Fianna Fáil candidate in Killarney on Saturday.
KillarneyToday.com raised the matter with the minister on the campaign trail on Saturday afternoon and he said he was very much aware of the importance of the project and what it would mean to Killarney.
Minister Chamber said an announcement on the funding was imminent.
Welcoming the news, Education Minister and Kerry TD, Norma Foley, said the projects are being funded from a fund designed to increase the number of people participating in sport.
“Fitzgerald Stadium has hosted many legendary Munster football finals and the €6 million in funding is a significant step in its redevelopment,” she said.
“I was really pleased to turn the sod for the Derreen Community Complex in Killarney in October 2023. It has already received €1m in funding from the Community Recognition Fund and €500,000 from the Community Sport Facilities Fund. This additional funding of €1 million will bring the project to completion,” she added.
The minister added that the Killarney Rugby Club funds will provide fantastic new facilities for generations to come.
General election candidate, Michael Cahill has enthusiastically welcomed the €7.75m boost.
He said he had worked tirelessly with a number of organisations in the Killarney area over a period of time.
“This is wonderful news for Killarney and South Kerry. I am delighted with this massive injection of funding and I am so happy that I have played my part in delivering these important projects,” said Cllr Cahill who has recently opened a constituency office in Killarney.
“I lobbied the Minister of State with responsibility for Sport, Thomas Byrne, the Tanaiste, Micheál Martin and the Minister for
Finance, Jack Chambers in regard to these important developments,” Cllr Cahill added.
Kerry Green Party general election candidate Cleo Murphy remarked: “This is fantastic news for Killarney and great credit is due to those who push forward on these projects”.
She added: “The development of Fitzgerald Stadium, in particular, will benefit the entire county and the south-west regions. It has the potential to draw not just big sporting fixtures but also to be an entertainment venue which would generate income for the town. “Congratulations also to the Killarney Rugby Club and the Dereen Community Complex on their funding awards.”
Meanwhile, Cllr John O’Donoghue said the funding will enable Derreen to progress unhindered and the funding for the rugby club will be very transformative to their wonderful grounds.
“As regards Fitzgerald Stadium, I am delighted as it is in urgent need of renovation. It has the potential to be transformative for the town of Killarney and indeed the whole county and this money will help greatly with its modernisation,” said the Kerry Independent Alliance councillor.
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