The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
View that Tralee isn’t safe after dark poses a challenge
OF all the findings contained in the results of the ‘Health Check’ one should be a cause of major concern for the Chamber Alliance; County Council and the Gardaí.
Any suggestion – no matter how well intentioned – that Tralee isn’t safe at night is typically greeted with a ‘shoot the messenger’ approach and tirades of abuse on social media.
However, while many in the town might not like to hear it, the Health Check shows that many people – visitors and locals alike – do not feel safe in Tralee after dark.
When asked to rate 20 key aspects of life in Tralee 44 per cent of the public and business respondents said they do not feel safe in the town at night.
That’s a considerable number of people and their views need to be acknowledged.
Its also in stark contrast with the 60 per cent of shoppers who agree that the town feels safe during the day.
The finding that more than two in five people find Tralee dangerous after dark comes in the midst of the row over the town’s new Taxi rank which many people refuse to use at night as they feel – justifiably in my opinion – that it is in a dangerous location.
Those that will feel the need to dispute the report’s findings should note they are based on a scientific survey carried out by a respected, experienced and professional locally led team from IT Tralee.
At the launch of the Health Check Report last Thursday Mayor of Tralee Norma Foley acknowledged that the report contains ‘challenges’ that the town can, will and must meet.
Tralee’s well organised bid for a Purple Flag has done much to boost the town’s image but clearly the perception that the town is a dangerous place after dark is still widespread.
To counter that a concerted, combined effort is needed.
What should not be allowed to happen is that this crucial finding is ignored and that only the ‘positives’ in the health check report are acted upon.
The head in the sand approach hasn’t worked before and it won’t work now.