Vision and imagination are needed as Tralee stands at a crossroads

SIR, Tralee has endured town improvement work for some time now. Businesses have had to suffer with the necessary disruption. Shortly, hopefully, it be all systems go in the run up to Christmas, the busiest shopping time of the year.

Denny Street is as fine a street as one would find at home or abroad. The town park caresses it beautifully. We also need to show off the Mall and Bridge Street, when the work is completed by keeping traffic off these areas if at all possible. At present traffic is re-routed and we are all able to adjust.Taxies could move to Ashe Street and would still be central and easily accessible.Some could still park adjacent to Shaws. Where there’s a will, surely there’s a way.

The atmosphere in the Mall, currently, is friendly and accommodating for pedestrians. It will be so festive there in the lead up to Christmas, so big decisions have to be made in the interest of the town. We can’t afford to get it wrong.

We were described as “a handsome town” by the judges for lreland’s Tidy Towns contest. We have to build on this welcome compliment. Great credit is due to all involved in promoting a tidy town mentality in Tralee over the years. lt’s come such a long way since my childhood – a ‘ buaileadh bos’ to all concerned.

For Tralee to build on its Purple Flag status, the Mall needs to develop a better ambience with its restaurants and coffee shops in the evening time and well into the night. Take a look at Galway and Temple Bar for example – ‘it could be you’, Tralee.

Vision, imagination and correct decision making are now required. We are at a crossroad; let’s take the right option!

Sincerely,

Gerry Cournane,

Tralee.