On Monday 20th June, 2011 Minister jimmy Deenihan joined young people, volunteers and staff at KDYS Killarney where he praised the KDYS organisation for its achievement in the conservation of the Franciscan Friary – a National Landmark building and it's re-development as a resource for young people and the community. Tim O Donoghue, KDYS CEO said, 'we are honoured that the Franciscan Order had such confidence in KDYS to bestow on us the magnificent gift of their Novitiate building and we are very proud that we have successfully safeguarded such an historical site for current and future generations to enjoy.' The 'Friary' building cost €3.2 million to develop to date while two floors still remain to be developed in the future. The completion of these floors would see the Friary building remain as a proud symbol of Ireland's heritage in the middle of Kerry.

On this visit Minister Deenihan joined with young people to see the magnificent Youth Arts work that happens on a weekly basis in this wonderful facility. He met Aaron, Darragh & Lauren Elbel who are involved in The KDYS Circus School, Dylan Clifford, Ciaran Doolan & Brian Doherty, members of The KDYS Band Project, & also met Stephen Fleming and Dan Renihan from "The Ardshan Jumpforce" – Minister Deenihan was so impressed that he is taking the initiative to launch this new dance form in the Department of Arts Building in Killarney on the 18th July 2011.

The Minister praised the students on Youthreach Project who he met at work in their classrooms and was later delighted to view a Mural, designed by student Adrian Looney. As a memento of his visit, another Youthreach Student, Lenka Berenreiter, presented the Minister with a framed piece of artwork.

Minister Deenihan noted that the future development of the building presents a wonderful opportunity as an exhibition and performance space. The heritage and cultural value of this property is of huge importance in the heart of a vibrant tourism county. Helly Guerin and Shauna Dobbins, members of the KDYS Youth Café Project, were busy making sure that Minister Deenihan got some much needed refreshments as the visit concluded.