Firm picked to draw up Denny site masterplan

THE rejuvenation of Tralee Town centre and the former Denny bacon factory at the Island of Geese in the town centre has taken another step forward with the appointment of consultants to draw up a master-plan for the 2.3 acre site.

Reddy Architecture + Urbanism have been hired to identify options for the site which was gifted to the people of Tralee by Kerry Group in 2014.

The consultants have been asked to assess how best to utilise the site in order to stimulate economic growth and jobs; enhance the western section of Tralee town centre. A minimum of 30 per cent of the site must also be retained for public or amenity use.

The consultants will consider the almost 800 submissions received during the consultation process carried out by Kerry County Council last summer and submissions received during the subsequent statutory consultation process.

The creation of the master-plan will involve further public consultation including another call for submissions on the draft plan before it is finalised.

It is anticipated that the final plan will be submitted to councillors in the Tralee Municipal District by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the demolition and clearance of the site will start over the summer with a contractor due to be appointed in the coming weeks and work due to be completed by the end of the year.

The red-brick chimney on site which has been deemed to have historical value is to be retained.

“By year end, the site should be cleared and the master-plan for its redevelopment should be in place. I am confident that this master-plan will deliver a series of ideas and solutions to maximise the use of this iconic and central location,” said Mayor of Tralee Terry O’Brien.

“This project is a hugely exciting one for Tralee and Kerry as a whole and offers enormous potential for the rejuvenation of the Island of Geese and the town generally,” said Mayor O’Brien.