Opportunity to shape new neighbourhood in Tralee as lands near MTU come to market for €4.5m

Ballybeggan lands, Tralee

A prime Tralee landholding with scope for a major new student village and up to 140 homes has hit the market in Co Kerry, with offers sought in excess of €4.5m.

The 32.8a (13.27ha) site in Ballybeggan is directly adjacent to the entrance to Munster Technological University (MTU north campus) in Kerry Technology Park and lies less than 1km from where Japanese multinational Astellas Pharma is building a new €330m state-of-the-art facility.

Described as “probably the most exciting land sale in Tralee in a long time” by Eamonn McQuinn of McQuinn Property Services, the agent handling the sale, the property offers a strategic opportunity to shape a key suburban expansion area in one of the South-West’s fastest-growing hubs.

“This offering presents a rare opportunity for a purchaser to play a key role in the development of a new suburban neighbourhood, within one of the South-West’s most dynamic economic, social, and educational centres,” Mr McQuinn said.

The entire holding is fully zoned under the recently amended Tralee development plan and is available in one or multiple lots.

Zoning breakdown includes:

• 13.38 acres (5.42 ha) — R1: New/proposed residential;
• 17.14 acres (6.94 ha) — C7: Education, innovation, research and development (allowing for student accommodation);
• 1.72 acres (0.7 ha) — C2.1: Industrial, enterprise & employment (includes commercial yard with residential unit);
• 1.2 acres (0.52 ha) — Buffer/conservation/amenity/landscape protection.

A feasibility study by Kane Williams Architects indicates that the C7-zoned lands could support a student village for up to 900 students, while the R1 lands could accommodate around 140 homes, subject to planning permission.

The commercial yard comprises seven units and a four-bedroom detached house. Six units are currently let, generating a combined rental income of €66,800 per annum, with potential to increase by approximately €3,000 pa when the remaining unit is occupied.

Tenants — who will remain unaffected by the sale — include a car mechanic, window and door suppliers, and several storage operators. Unit sizes range from 86sq m to 970sq m.

The yard was formerly home to the Fabric and Furniture Centre, which closed two years ago upon the owners’ retirement. The owner of that business is also the vendor of the landholding.

Positioned near Ballybeggan Racecourse, the lands enjoy extensive road frontage on four sides, enhancing both access and development flexibility. The N69 Tralee Bypass is just 1km away, while Tralee town centre lies about 2.5km to the south.

The area is well-served by schools, healthcare facilities, leisure amenities, and third-level institutions, supporting both family housing and student accommodation development.

“It’s a well-serviced setting that lends itself perfectly to a mixed-use scheme,” Mr McQuinn said.

Services are understood to be readily available for connection, though purchasers are advised to undertake their own due diligence.

DETAILS: Eamonn McQuinn T: 0667129355 E: [e-mail]