The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Ferris defends Tralee Purple Flag bid
TRALEE Sinn Féin Cllr Toireasa Ferris has defended Tralee’s bid for a Purple Flag after a state funded drug and alcohol awareness body criticised the initiative.
Last week The Southern Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force said it opposed Tralee securing Purple Flag Accreditation as it was concerned that it would increase alcohol abuse on the streets of the town.
The task force claimed that to curb alcohol and drug abuse and harm the focus should be on reducing the number of people on the streets late at night and in the early morning.
Cllr Toireasa Ferris – who initially suggested the Tralee should apply for Purple Flag status – strongly defended the bid.
“The purple flag is the gold standard for any town wishing to increase footfall and business after 5pm in the evening. Awardees must meet 30 different criteria, including minimum thresholds of decreasing crime statistics, appropriate transport, a vibrant appeal, a stimulating destination and a strong partnership. This can only be a positive development, I believe this town can and should achieve this,” said Cllr Ferris.
“Much of the objection is based on the presumption that the awarding of the flag to Tralee will increase drinking and resultant behaviour in Tralee,” she said.
“That is the opposite to the objective of the scheme and the results experienced in other towns, in fact crime rates in towns and cities who have achieved a purple flag, including Killarney and Galway city, have seen crime statistics during 5pm and 5am reduce by 60 per cent,” said Cllr Ferris.
“If the much needed increased footfall in the town were to result in an increase in alcohol consumption and abuse as contended, then this would inevitably result in an increase in public order offences at best and would mean the town would not meet the criteria for renewal of the flag,” she said.
“The experience of other towns and villages strongly refutes the arguments of those objecting. In fact the intention of those, like me, driving this campaign is no different to those involved in the organisations objecting, to create a vibrant night business in Tralee that is varied and not exclusive to the consumption of alcohol. I call on the objectors to reconsider,” said Cllr Ferris