The Island of Geese site in Tralee town centre has opened to the public for the first time today (Tuesday).

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The recently completed public realm space which incorporates a contemporary landscaped urban design within the 2.3-acre site has been developed by Kerry County Council. The new amenity improves accessibility in the town centre and is adjacent to three urban opportunity sites.

Opening the public realm element of the Island of Geese marks the completion of this phase of the sustainable regeneration of the old brownfield site (formerly the site of the Denny Bacon Factory) as a multi-purpose, office, residential and community orientated mixed -development in the heart of the town centre.

The Island of Geese, Tralee Town Centre West, Urban Development Programme has been Part-Funded by the European Regional Development Fund as a Sustainable Urban Development Priority of the S&E Regional Programme 2014 – 2020 and Kerry County Council, The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Department of Transport with the support of Kerry Group. The project aims to revitalise, regenerate, and improve the urban environment in the designated urban centre of Tralee as part of an integrated urban strategy.

Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Mikey Sheehy hailed the opening of the public space at the Island of Geese as "a very special day for Tralee".

"For months now, passers-by and local residents have watched as the Island of Geese site begins to take shape. The new linear park opens up this side of the town with improved pedestrian access for locals and visitors alike and has transformed the connection between the Balloonagh/Bon Secours Hospital area and the surrounding areas with the town centre. The remainder of the site now offers considerable opportunities for investment and the wider economic development of Tralee town centre," he said.