Retail plans granted for Tralee

A CAMPAIGN to breathe new life into Tralee town centre has been boosted by a decision to grant planning permission for a 900-square metre extension to a shopping centre.

Despite local objections, An Bord Pleanála has given the green light to Tralee businessman Donal Horan for a first floor extension to the Central Plaza Retail Centre.

Businesses in Tralee town have claimed they are losing trade to out-of-town commercial facilities, particularly the Manor West Retail Park on the Killarney Road.

Planning inspector Aisling Cunnane, recommending that planning be granted, noted that Tralee town had “significant competition” from out-of-town shopping.

But, she said the town centre should be allowed grow to its potential and that “retailing in the town be retained as its core function”.

Among the objectors to the extension was local resident J.D. Wynne. He claimed his light and privacy would be compromised and that nearby Denny’s Lane would be made darker and more attractive for unsocial activity.

Ms Cunnane maintained the increased throughput of people resulting from additional shopping would act as a deterrent to crime and anti-social activity.

An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission subject to seven conditions.

Manor West Retail Park, meanwhile, has been attracting shoppers from many parts of Kerry, Cork and Limerick since it opened in 2001. It boasts a wide range of big name stores including TK Maxx, Debenhams, Harry Corry and Tesco.

In recent years, neighbouring towns such as Killarney, Listowel and Castleisland have been losing heavily to Tralee in the retail stakes.

Leading retail developments proposed for Listowel and Castleisland, to include Tesco, however, have met with objections.

But huge new shopping developments have recently been announced for Killarney, including a €100 million commercial/residential proposal for a 14-acre site in the grounds of the Malton Hotel.

Work has started on a new retail complex in the site of the former Torc Great Southern Hotel, near Killarney town centre, due to open next year.

Also, Marks and Spencer, which was controversially rejected by Tralee Town Council last year, is due to open a store in Killarney in May.