The controversial decision to move Tralee Courthouse to a site within the newly renovated Island of Geese site has been given the backing by the majority of elected councillors in Kerry.

VOTE: Cllr Patrick O'Connor-Scarteen who is the Cathaoirleach of Kenmare Municipal District and a Killarney-based solicitor said the Council's vote to move Tralee Courthouse to the Island of Geese is welcome news.

As a result of today’s vote, a plot of land on the Island of Geese will be sold to the Court Services and a new courthouse will be built on that site.

The decision will be controversial as the site was gifted to the people of Tralee by the Denny Family when they vacated the site a few years ago.

Earlier this month a new walkway and town centre public amenity was officially opened by Kerry County Council.

“It's a huge relief and very progressive that Councillors by a large majority voted to sell a small section of the Island of Geese site in Tralee to the Court Service for the provision of a new courthouse in Tralee which is badly needed,” said Cllr Patrick O'Connor-Scarteen, who is the Cathaoirleach of Kenmare Municipal District and a Killarney-based solicitor.

He cited the following reasons as the why it was necessary to build a new courthouse in Tralee.

- The Court Service deemed the current Courthouse in Ashe Street no longer fit for purpose.

- Without a new courthouse, Kerry cases would be lost to Limerick and Cork, resulting in a huge waste of time, money and resources for Gardai and those appearing before the courts.

- It's important that justice is administered locally in the county.

- Kerry cases would not get adequate coverage in the press if Kerry cases were heard outside the county. The public are entitled to know about most cases before the courts.

- The legal profession is a big employer in the county and it's essential such jobs are retained in Kerry

- The new courthouse will be very close to Tralee Garda Station which would be sensible and convenient on a number of fronts.

- A new courthouse would adequately cater for people with disabilities, will be more spacious, will have consultation rooms, and will have facilities for the legal profession

- The courthouse would be located in the centre of Tralee town and will result in spin off businesses such as shops, restaurants etc., being retained in the town.

- The courthouse would not only be for Tralee, but for all of Kerry.

“Today I call upon the Court Service to proceed with the various formalities to build a new courthouse including obtaining the funding, planning permission, design," he added. “Today's decision is a positive step and it is imperative the construction of the new court is progressed without delay.”