Cafés and shops should be happy

IF any group in Tralee should be happy with the results of the ‘Health Check’ it is the town’s restaurateurs.

The hospitality sector in the town came in for high praise in the report with 77 per cent of shoppers surveyed praising the choice of cafés and restaurants in the town centre.

It wasn’t just the quantity but the quality that was praised with exact same number praising the high standard of the local restaurants.

Business owners too are impressed with Tralee’s foodie offerings with more than 80 per cent praising the variety and quality of the restaurants in the town.

Given the findings of another part of the survey local restaurants could play a big part in developing Tralee’s tourist offering.

When asked what sort of events should be staged in town 32 per cent of the business respondents and 18 per cent of the surveyed shoppers said they would like to see more food festivals, promotions and markets.

While local eateries came in for the highest praise there was also praise for the town’s retail offering and in particular the excellent service provided by local retailers.

A massive 73 per cent of shoppers surveyed praised the standard of service in local shops with just seven per cent claiming it was poor.

The town was also seen as easy to get around and good value. Exactly two thirds of those surveyed said the town is good value for money.

While the restaurants and shops came in for significant praise the report was not without its criticisms.

The lack of events in the town was the biggest criticism with 46 per cent of respondents saying the range of events in Tralee was poor.

While the town park came in for praise 40 per cent said the town lacked attractions other than shops and restaurants.

In terms of a sense of life in Tralee there was a decidedly mixed response. While 48 per cent said the town centre was vibrant 30 per cent said there was little or no vibrancy in the town when they visited. Businesses were even less upbeat with just 41 per cent describing the town as vibrant.

Pedestrian footfall in the Rock Street area was considerably lower than in main retail zone in The Mall, Town Square and Abbeycourt area.

Work on the refurbishment of The Mall is nearing completion. The majority of the new paving is laid and all the project is on schedule for completion by mid November.

Stock Image The quality and variety of restaurants and cafés in Tralee was highly praised.