The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Sinn Féin’s Daly sees red over ‘Stalinist’ jibe
FG COUNCILLOR MAKES ‘STALINIST’ COMPARISON TO RIVAL COUNCILLOR’S VIEWS ON DENNY SITE IN TRALEE
FINE Gael and Sinn Fein drew political swords at Monday’s Tralee Municipal District meeting when Cllr Jim Finucane accused Cllr Pa Daly of proposing ‘Stalinist type’ ideas in relation to the future use of the former Denny Site in Tralee.
SF’s Cllr Daly asked council management not to pump millions into the Island of Geese/ Town Centre West Development, only to then hand a large portion of it over to “millionaire developers”.
In reply, council management said while significant investment will be required from both the public and private sector to ensure the Denny project realises its full potential, any commercial developments will need to demonstrate an overall contribution to the economic and social objectives outlined.
“I welcome this aspect of the council’s reply as this is important. I would hate to see some millionaire developer availing of the finished product after the council did all the heavy lifting,” Cllr Daly said.
But the motion angered Fine Gael’s Cllr Finucane who said it was a ‘Stalinist type appeal’ and ‘demeaning’ to elected representatives of the chamber who would be part of any such decision making process.
“If we can attract public and private development into the region, all the better. This site is an asset and to try and preclude any investor is just unrealistic,” said Cllr Finucane.
However, Cllr Daly said in no way was he against development at the site and questioned whether Cllr Finucane’s knowledge of ‘Stalinism’ was up to speed with relation to the motion before the chamber.
In a separate motion, Cllr Daly also asked if the council had any update regarding future plans for the Denny Site. The council said consultants are currently engaged in the development of the ‘Master Plan’ with draft proposals scheduled to be made available to councillors before Christmas.
Consultants have carried out ‘significant stakeholder engagement’ say the council which is all part of examining the scale of development at the site in relation to accommodating pedestrians, traffic movements and interaction with the town centre.
“The demolition of the existing buildings has commenced, with initial stabilisation works on the red brick chimney which is to be retained. Work will continue on the project which is scheduled to be completed by February,” said council management.