Tralee could develop GAA grounds

A PLANNING application for a €100 million development that could change the face of Tralee is expected to be lodged shortly.

If given the green light, it would involve a mixed-use development of two landmark GAA grounds which are located close to the town centre.

A Kerry-based business consortium, headed by developer and quantity surveyor John Casey and businessman Seamus O’Halloran, is behind the proposal for the 11-acre site.

The plan would result in the relocation of the John Mitchels GAA club grounds and the adjoining Austin Stack Park, owned by Kerry County Board, to sites outside Tralee town. The project will also require the rezoning of Austin Stack Park.

If planning permission is granted, the project is estimated to create around 500 full-time and part-time jobs, as well as 300 jobs at the construction phase.

It will comprise of retail units, including a number of major retail ‘anchors’, a financial services centre and approximately 2,000 car parking spaces. A financial services company has already made a provisional decision to locate within the development, if it proceeds.

The promoters said the development would rejuvenate that area of the town and also help to reestablish Tralee town centre as a major retail destination.