.
THE new Tralee Skatepark has experienced delays due to COVID travel restrictions, the meeting of Tralee Municipal District of Kerry County Council heard on Monday.
Sinn Féin Cllrs Deirdre Ferris and Cathal Foley both asked the Council to issue an update on the Skate Park and the proposed start date for the project.
Council management said Tralee Skatepark is fully funded and shovel-ready. However, work has not commenced on site and the Council has been engaging with the successful contractor on the matter.
Continued below…
.
Bendcrete Ltd were awarded the contract to construct a 200k Skatepark in Tralee on the September 29, 2020.
Bendcrete Ltd are an UK based company, that specialise in developing skateparks. Unfortunately, due to Government restrictions for Covid 19, they were unable to enter Ireland to commence the works given the travel restrictions (2 weeks quarantine) up until the July 16, 2021.
Since travel reopened, Kerry County Council/The Group have been in contact with Bendcrete seeking a start date for the works. They also have a project in Edenderry awaiting a commencement date – again LEADER Funded.
Negotiations are ongoing with the contractor in relation to fulfilling the contract. The Council have also been in contact with the Sports Capital Department regarding the €70,000 grant.
They are satisfied that significant progress has been made and will grant an extension if required beyond November 21, 2021.
Meanwhile, Cllr Foley also asked for an update on the proposed bicycle pump track.
He was told a suitable site remains to be identified for the development of the pump track and a funding source to develop same.
A suitable site had been identified by the Council which subsequently didn’t materialise and an unsuccessful submission for funding had been made in respect of same. A number of sites are being examined and a further update will be provided at a future meeting.
