Two Kerry Tourism Projects Receive €708,000 In Funding

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On the Shores of Lough Lein, Killarney National Park, County Kerry, where Kerry Fine Gael TD and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin announced over €700,000 in Government funding is being allocated for two Kerry tourism projects. The Minister met with various voluntary organisations involved with the Tomies Wood Project, on Tuesday morning, from left, Michael Spillane, Fossa Way, Padraig O’Sullivan, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Niamh O’Shea, President Kerry Branch Irish Hotels Federation, and Paul O’Neill, President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

TWO tourism projects in Kerry have been allocated €708,000 in funding from the State.

Local tourism industry chiefs have been working on the development of a looped walk, along the shores of the iconic Lakes of Killarney, which will encompass some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

Confirmation that half a million euro in funding has been allocated to the project by the Department of Rural and Community Affairs has sparked great celebrations in the town.

The 9km trail, when complete, will meander through rich woodlands on the slopes of the 735m Tomies mountain and wind its way along the shores of Lough Lein and the spectacular O’Sullivan’s Cascade.

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The trail is steeped in Irish mythology with Tomies Woods said to have been the summer hunting grounds of warrior hunter Fionn MacCumhaill. Legend also has it that the cairn of stones on the summit of Tomies Mountain is the burial place of an ancient Irish chieftain.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce President, Paul O’Neill, said the €500,000 in State funding will allow a long-time dream to be realised for everybody associated with the project.

The Government has rubber-stamped €500,000 for the development of the Tomies Wood car park and walk, while a further €208,000 has been approved for a major upgrade of the Dingle Way.

Minister Griffin said: “This is great news for the tourism industry in Kerry. It is crucial that we invest in such world class locations to ensure that they can facilitate visitors sustainably so that everyone can enjoy the experience when they go there”.

The Killarney funding will allow for car parking and access to Tomies Wood and the breathtaking O’Sullivan’s Cascade as well as path maintenance and restoration on the Dingle Way which is a huge attraction and economic driver throughout the Dingle Peninsula.

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