The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Delays in Tralee’s purple flag application
TOIREASA Ferris has hit out at the near two year delay in preparing Tralee’s application for a ‘Purple Flag’
The Purple Flag is a scheme, similar to Blue Flags for beaches, that recognises well managed town and city centres which that can offer a safe, high quality night out for visitors.
While Kerry County Council agreed to apply for a ‘Purple Flag for Tralee in June 2015, as of this week the application forms still hadn’t been completed.
At Monday’s meeting of the Tralee Municipal District council Cllr Toireasa Ferris (SF) – who originally proposed the idea – criticised the delay in applying for the flag.
Council management – who admitted to ‘huge’ delays in finalising the application – said the certification process was complicated.
Director of Services Michael Scannell said part of the delay was due to the fact that local business groups and the gardaí had not provided certain information and agreed to specific criteria – such as guaranteed opening hours – needed to secure Purple Flag status.
Cllr Ferris said more needs to be done to advance the application.
“A common theme here today is how long it is taking to get things done. We’re no further ahead on this than we were in June 2015,” she said.
“You can have all the free parking you want but unless businesses are open and people know this is a friendly and safe town it won’t do much good,” said Cllr Ferris.
Mr Scannell – who said a dedicated group is working on the application – called for a town´-wide effort to secure the flag.
“Everybody needs to get involved and we need everybody in town behind us if we are to succeed,” he said.