Almost €94,000 in funding has been allocated to Kerry as part of the Heritage Council’s 2025 Community Heritage Grant Scheme.
The Heritage Council is distributing more than €1.9 million through the Scheme this year to support 132 heritage initiatives across Ireland, nine of which are in Kerry.
The funding has been welcomed by Minister Norma Foley, Deputy Michael Cahill and Senator Mike Kennelly.
Of the €93,682 allocated to Kerry projects from the Community Heritage Grant Scheme, €25,000 has been allocated to both Milltown History and Heritage Society and
Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh.
€12,982 has been allocated to Portmagee Tidy Towns / Portmagee Development Group CLG, and the North Kerry Hurling Board will receive €10,026, some of which will support a historical film and audio documentary, marking the 100th anniversary of the board.
Between €3,000 and €8,000 will be received by Teach Siamsa Finuge (€3,238), Inch Community Council (€6,500), Killorglin Chamber Alliance (€7,872), and the Maharees Conservation Association CLG (€3,064).
€2,881 has been allocated to Butterfly Conservation Ireland across multiple counties, including Kerry.
All funded projects can begin work immediately and are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Previous recipients in Kerry have used this funding to restore architectural features, digitise local archives, and carry out conservation training.
The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is run by the Heritage Council to support projects that promote access and inclusion at heritage sites across Ireland.
In 2024, the scheme funded Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne to produce an online digital photographic archive of Chorca Dhuibhne, supported the Tralee Chamber Alliance to undertake an historical survey to provide owners with an understanding of their street and practical information on caring for their buildings and funded the Portmagee Tidy Towns Group to survey for the endangered native oyster in the Portmagee Channel.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said:
“Community groups and heritage organisations do incredible work in preserving and our natural, cultural and built heritage for generations to come. From conserving historic buildings and graveyards, to digitising archives, restoring monuments, and promoting biodiversity, these initiatives ensure that Ireland’s unique stories, traditions, and places are protected for future generations. I am inspired by the creativity and commitment shown by groups across the country, and proud that this scheme continues to empower local communities to safeguard our heritage in all its forms."
