The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Tralee ready to roll out red carpet for purple flag judges
JUDGES will visit Tralee later this month to consider if the town should be awarded the Purple Flag.
The Purple Flag is an international scheme that recognises excellence in the management of town and city centres, and areas that offer a better standard of night out to visitors.
If successful in achieving the award it will signify that Tralee has a night time economy that is enjoyable, entertaining, diverse and safe and it will be viewed as yet another attribute for doing business in Tralee.
When they arrive in Tralee the Purple Flag judging team will be given an extensive guided tour of the town and its attractions.
The outgoing President of Tralee Chamber Alliance, John Drummey, said securing Purple Flag designation for Tralee would be huge boost for everyone in the town.
“Purple Flag destinations distinguish themselves by being vibrant and well-managed. In a team approach, the Garda, Kerry County Council, vintners and other representatives of the hospitality sector have been involved in a comprehensive application process which is being led by Tralee Chamber Alliance,” said Mr Drummey.
“We are encouraging all the night-time venue owners and their customers to work together to make sure that the judges leave the town with only one option – to award the Purple Flag to Tralee,” he said.
The judges will tour the area within a circuit extending from The Rose Hotel to Tralee Bay Wetlands to North Circular Road and back to Fels Point. The tour will see the judges brought to pubs, hotels and restaurants, the Siamsa Tíre theatre, KDYS and Tralee Town Park.
The official judges’ tour of Tralee’s Purple Flag area will take place from 5pm on Friday July 28 to 5am on Saturday July 29.
While plans are in place for the official visit it isn’t known if the judges will make another unsupervised visit to the area.
Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Norma Foley, said Purple Fag status has many benefits for a town like Tralee.
“A vibrant evening and night time economy will further enhance the town centre of Tralee, helping to create a stimulating destination providing a safe, secure environment, with a broad choice and rich mix of entertainment and other activities,” she said.
“The pulling power will change throughout the evening, appealing to a range of age groups, including families, and will be accessible to all, whilst protecting the quality of life for locals and the interests of other businesses,” said Mayor Foley.
The decision on whether or not Tralee has succeeded in its bid to be awarded with Purple Flag status will be announced in November.