Debate on the future of Denny Street

THE organisers of a seminar on the future of Denny Street in Tralee hailed the event as a tremendous success.

Friday’s seminar – which took place at the Kerry County Museum on Denny Street was organised by Kerry County Council in conjunction with the Heritage Council and Tralee Chamber Alliance.

The aim of the event was to discuss how to maximise the use of properties on Denny Street while maintaining and highlighting its many historic features.

Technical advice on building conservation, energy efficiency, safety regulations, conservation grants and town centre improvement were provided by national and international speakers. There were also workshop discussions which saw some lively debate.

Discussions focussed on how to revitalise the street, what practical solutions could be used to improve the street and buildings, and how the street could be better connected to the wider town centre.

“Key emerging issues included planning and the regulatory framework, finance, the use of art and colour, and the integration of the key hubs around the street,” said Victoria McCarthy, Architectural Conservation Officer with Kerry County Council.

“The findings and conclusions of the workshops will be collated and a final report will be prepared later in the summer,” she said.

“The positive energy and enthusiasm displayed by those in attendance was exceptional. The setting up of a prize fund for secondary school students for murals, the potential for a rates incentive package and development contribution scheme proposals for use of the protected structure were just some of the other ideas discussed,” she added.

A building advice manual for owners of historic properties, which was specially prepared for the seminar, has also been published.