A Kerry councillor has said trying to figure out when community groups can apply for grants can be like trying to decipher the secrets of Fatima.
Fianna Fáil councillor Norma Moriarty told the recent council meeting that there should be a defined calendar for grant applications.
Cllr Moriarty said this would really help local community groups to plan ahead.
Cllr Moriarty called for the county council to make contact with government departments and ask them to create a defined calendar for grant applications.
She said this would provide volunteer-led organisations with certainty for planning and preparing for funding applications.
The Fianna Fáil councillor said the ad hoc nature of opening dates and number of calls for applications is making it confusing and off-putting for many organisations doing excellent work.
At the recent meeting, Cllr Moriarty added this would support and aid voluntary organisations to make applications that all of our communities benefit from.
She said the one that stands out above all else as being like the secrets of Fatima trying to figure out when it will be announced is the Sports Capital Grant.
Allocations under this grant have been announced in different months every year over the last few years.
Cllr Moriarty said it would do wonders for local community groups to know if they miss a window for grant applications, or if they’re turned down for one, that there’s another set in stone for however long afterwards.
Her motion was seconded by party colleague Michael Leane, and the council will write to other local authorities to have a unified approach to go to the department about this.
