Mixed reaction from towns that wanted more

THERE was mixed reaction in Kerry yesterday to the news that Tralee and Killarney have been named as a joint hub centre for the south-west in the National Spatial Strategy (NSS).

Business leaders and politicians who had campaigned tirelessly to have Tralee named as a gateway city under the new development plan were hugely disappointed by the news the town has only been allocated hub status.

“Tralee is up there with the likes of Sligo, Dundalk and Letterkenny.

“I’m not taking anything away from these towns, but if the Government is serious about moving out of Dublin, surely it would move things to here,” Tralee Chamber of Commerce president Michael Daly said. He pointed out that most of the gateway centres, particularly the new Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore centre, are all based around the east coast and within commuting distance of Dublin.

“You have to wonder what kind of political influence was involved in these decisions. It’s very hard to see why Tralee was excluded from these future cities,” Mr Daly added.

Kerry North TD Jimmy Deenihan was also critical of the decision to relegate Tralee. Killarney too was looking forward to the extra benefits.

Development officer at Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce George Nash said the business community was delighted with the news.

He felt that it made sense to name both towns as a joint hub given their close proximity and since they already share many amenities, including a linked rail system and Kerry Airport.

“We have a good relationship with Tralee and we are looking forward to strengthening that relationship and working to develop both towns under this initiative,” Mr Nash said.

Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae said he was disappointed that Killarney had not received a bigger status under the NSS. “We are quite capable of standing on our own ,” he said.

However, Mr Cullen said a balanced regional development would be critically dependent on the development of Kerry and harnessing the strengths of both towns.