Connect with us

News

Strong response to public consultation on Denny site

Published

on

Frank Hayes of Kerry Group looks over the Denny site map with Michael Scannell, Kerry County Council, and Cllr Terry O'Brien, Mayor of Tralee. PICTURE: DOMNICK WALSH

K

KERRY COUNTY COUNCIL has so far received over 200 submissions from members of the public in relation to the future use of the former Denny factory site in Tralee.

Since the launch of the first phase of public consultation on the site three weeks ago, the council has received a steady flow of ideas and proposals for the 2.3 acre site which is now being redeveloped by the Council which assumed the ownership of the site from Kerry Group two years ago.

Kerry County Council has an on-site mobile unit at the entrance to the former factory which will be open daily during the Rose of Tralee Festival from Wednesday, August 17, to Wednesday, August 24, August (excluding Sunday 21st) from 12pm to 2pm and anyone with ideas is welcome to drop in to meet with council staff and submit their ideas.

“We have had a very strong response from the public already. People are talking about this exciting project and engaging with the consultation process,” said the director of services with Kerry County Council, Michael Scannell.

“Members of the public have been calling into the mobile unit on site where forms can be filled up and people can view a gallery of images of the factory as it looks today.

“There have been some very interesting and well-conceived ideas with a wide range of proposals coming forward which augurs well for the future of the Denny site and vindicates the Council’s decision to consult widely before finalising a plan for the location.

“This consultation period will run for another three weeks and all of the ideas and proposals received will feed into a development brief for a master-plan for the site which it is hoped will see a major rejuvenation of this part of Tralee town centre.”

Ideas can be submitted online at www.theislandtralee.ie, by filling out a survey form which are available at almost 20 outlets around Tralee or by e-mailing proposals to theislandtralee@gmail.com.
 


 
Frank Hayes of Kerry Group looks over the Denny site map with Michael Scannell, Kerry County Council, and Cllr Terry O'Brien, Mayor of Tralee.
PICTURE: DOMNICK WALSH

Advertisement

News

Killarney welcomes home Kevin ‘The Kingdom Warrior’ Cronin

Boxer Kevin ‘The Kingdom Warrior’ Cronin received a warm homecoming in Jimmy O’Brien’s Bar on College Street on Sunday evening following his victory in Dublin last weekend, where he was […]

Published

on

Boxer Kevin ‘The Kingdom Warrior’ Cronin received a warm homecoming in Jimmy O’Brien’s Bar on College Street on Sunday evening following his victory in Dublin last weekend, where he was crowned Irish Light Heavyweight Champion.

Mayor of Killarney Cllr Martin Grady was on hand to officially welcome the new champion home, congratulating him on what he described as “a proud moment for Killarney and for Kerry sport.”
Cronin, who is sponsored by Jimmy O’Brien’s Bar, claimed the vacant national title after a hard-fought ten-round battle against Cork’s Cathal Crowley at the National Stadium, Dublin, on Friday night last.
The Kerry fighter won by majority decision, with the judges scoring the contest 95-94, 97-93 and 95-95. The result capped off years of dedication and hard work for Cronin, who now holds an 11-3-1 professional record.
Speaking at the homecoming, Cronin thanked his supporters and sponsors for their backing throughout his career.
“It’s unbelievable to bring this title to Kerry,” he said. “The support from home means everything. This one’s for everyone who’s been with me from the start.”
Crowds packed into Jimmy O’Brien’s Bar to celebrate the achievement, with music, photos and plenty of local pride on display.

Continue Reading

News

Concerns over future of St Mary of the Angels

Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School in Beaufort, highlighting the urgent need for respite services for […]

Published

on

Two Kerry TDs have voiced concerns over the future of St Mary of the Angels and St Francis Special School in Beaufort, highlighting the urgent need for respite services for children and adults with profound disabilities and special needs.

The campus, set on lands generously donated by the Doyle family, offers 30 acres of grounds, existing buildings, and services, making it a valuable asset for the provision of respite care in Kerry. TD Michael Cahill emphasized that the Doyle family’s wishes should be respected, and that the grounds should be made accessible immediately.
“The special needs community in Kerry has a major respite crisis and families don’t have time to wait. Families need help — they are not asking for full-time residential care but respite care, a break, a helping hand,” Deputy Cahill said.
He added that a bespoke approach is needed to meet the individual needs of children attending St Francis Special School. “Many of the children in the county with profound needs need a safe haven where they can roam the grounds freely, and St Mary of the Angels offers this.”
Deputy Cahill has accompanied several Ministers to the Beaufort campus to highlight its value to Disability Health Service providers. A working group has been formed including St John of Gods, the HSE, representatives of residents at St Mary of the Angels, and St Francis Special School, to explore options for maintaining and expanding respite services.
“Parents are worn out and at the end of their tether. This needs to be dealt with expeditiously, in an environment of cooperation between the relevant Government Departments of Health, Disability, and Education. We need to get this across the line urgently and put it permanently in place,” he said.
Deputy Cahill pointed to the current shortfall of respite services in Kerry. “As of now, Cunamh Iveragh respite in Cahersiveen is only open Friday to Sunday, running at half capacity — two adults per night instead of four. The issue is staffing, and the HSE will not release funding to open full-time. The Beaufort campus is available and should be utilised as parents are crying out for overnight respite. Cooperation and compassion could see this done quickly.”
TD Danny Healy Rae echoed these concerns during a Dáil speech this week. “We are still short of respite beds on the southern side of the constituency. Families caring for people with disabilities just want a break, but there is nowhere available locally. Places are being offered only in Tipperary or Meath for those needing new residential care. It makes no sense. St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort has 40 or 50 acres of grounds that could be expanded, with facilities already in place such as swimming pools. It could be developed as a model for the rest of the country.”
Both TDs are urging the Government and the HSE to take immediate action to utilise the Beaufort campus for respite care, in line with the intentions of the Doyle family and the needs of Kerry families.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport