Tralee has never looked better at Christmas...

THE warm Christmas glow that is currently helping to curtail the chilly evenings around Tralee town centre is a credit to everyone involved. Every town, village and city must have a focal point; a place that defines the essence of its character and what it means to strike a balance between a vibrant commercial setting and a place where the social fabric is enhanced. One need look no further than The Mall for proof of this combination.

The street looks absolutely amazing and it’s hard to imagine just a few short months ago it resembled a building site rather than the main thoroughfare of a town. But if ambition is to be realised, then patience and perseverance is needed.

Traders in The Mall and Castle Street were at the frontline of these renovations, and at times bore the brunt of weeks of frustrating interruptions to footfall. But perhaps now more than ever proves that it was well worth it as the centre of Tralee has never looked better and brighter.

The Christmas lights curtaining The Mall, Denny Street and Castle Street really complement Tralee and help create the kind of festive atmosphere that in many ways is new to Tralee. The Mall’s new look is overwhelmingly enhanced by the Christmas lighting which has created an atmosphere to rival that of any of the major cities.

To be overly negative is often the easiest option in an argument. Yet facts are facts and there is simply no denying the fact that Tralee has never looked better as we approach Christmas.

Perhaps it’s a Tralee thing, but we tend not to be as vocal when it comes to recognising the visual improvements Tralee has undergone in recent years (at least not as often as we should).

Tralee is an amazing town that has punched well above its weight in terms of its businesses, its amenities and its attractions. How can anyone pass through The Square, The Tess Quarter, The Mall, Denny Street and Castle Street at the moment and not marvel at how well it looks?

This hasn’t happened by accident either. It’s all down to vision and investment of ideals across a broad spectrum of community forums from the Tidy Towns to local traders. Great credit is also owed to Tralee Chamber Alliance and Kerry County Council. However, once ideas have been rolled out and financial investment is made, it’s ultimately the local traders who help preserve a town and carry it forward. This is why shopping locally is not just important from an economic point of view, but also as a representation of pride of place.

For so many of us the magic of Christmas started with a shop window display. This is another aspect that needs to be acknowledged as the festive window displays in Tralee reflect not just a love of Christmas, but also a sense of pride.

It will always be the right time to call for more improvements for Tralee. But there comes a time when we should acknowledge, celebrate and take stock of the improvements already before us. Thankfully, Christmas in Tralee has helped shed plenty of light on such improvements.