TRALEE Chamber Alliance and the retailers in the town have described the decision to introduce free parking for motorists in Tralee during December as an early Christmas present to the entire county.

On-street parking and parking in Kerry County Council-operated car parks will be free from 1pm-6pm, Monday to Sunday from December 1-31, it was revealed at the monthly meeting of Tralee Municipal District at Kerry County Council on Monday.

Cllr Norma Foley appealed to Council Management to make the four Saturdays in December free all day, thus ensuring Friday from 1pm to Monday morning free for shoppers.

The Council said they would look at the suggestion.

The news comes a week ahead of the launch of the 2014 Christmas Spraoi in Tralee which will see a full calendar of Festive events at various locations from November 29th to New Year’s Day.

“Kerry County Council have been very proactive in their efforts to ensure a seamless transition since the abolition of Tralee Town Council,” said CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Kieran Ruttledge.

“We are grateful to the councillors in Tralee Municipal District who voted to retain the free parking initiative which has been very successful for businesses in Tralee town in the lead-up to Christmas. It will also act as an incentive for families from outside Tralee to visit the county capital to explore the wonderful choice of shops, cafés and restaurants during the festive season,” said Mr Ruttledge.

The Christmas Spraoi in Tralee will be launched on Monday, November 10 and full details of all the daily events, Christmas party nights and competitions will be available from www.Tralee.ie and www.facebook.com/ChristmasSpraoiInTralee.