The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Regeneration focus for Killarney and Tralee
KERRY’S two largest towns could be in for a major overhaul if national funding aimed at regenerating town centres is secured.
Kerry County Council CEO Moira Murrell said the local authority has applied for funding under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) for grant-aid to support Killarney and Tralee. In her Chief Executive report addressing last week’s meeting of Kerry County Council, Ms Murrell said the focus will be on the urban town centres in a bid to make these towns more attractive and vibrant for business and tourism – towns where people choose to live and work as well as invest and visit.
In Tralee, the focus will be on developing the town as an economic driver for the county – and the southern region – with particular emphasis on boosting the supply of high-quality employment spaces, including office developments as well as public-realm improvements and investment in leisure and amenity areas.
The aim is to create well-connected streets and spaces for all users and build on the town’s new university status by marketing the town as a destination for both tourism and for investment.
Meanwhile, in Killarney, the vision is to mirror Killarney National Park with an exceptional urban experience that sets the town apart as a world-class tourism destination.
Funding in Killarney would be used for improvements in public infrastructure, linkages and connectedness, as well as ‘multi-modal’ travel options, and enhancing the authenticity of the Killarney offering and improving the overall quality of life opportunities for the resident population.
Public-realm areas would be improved, with selected areas repositioned as commercial areas.
Overall, it is hoped to integrate the town into Killarney National Park.
The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is a flagship element of Project Ireland 2040. Under the stewardship of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the fund was established to support more compact and sustainable development, through the regeneration of Ireland’s five cities and other large towns.