Photo By Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus LTD ©
By Dermot Crean
MINISTER for State at the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, Alan Kelly TD was in town yesterday to officially open the first phase of the Tralee-Fenit Amenity Trail.
The first phase of the trail which stretches from Rock Street, Tralee, to the Bracker O’Regan Road, and has been a fantastic amenity for the town since it opened last year. The 1.5km trail is the first part of a planned traffic-free off-road cycle and walking route, which runs along the former Tralee-Fenit railway line.
The Minister said he was delighted to be in Kerry and described it as “a place I have great affinity for given my better half is a Kerrywoman. I love spending time here.”
In his speech he also detailed what the Active Travel Plan for Tralee holds in store for the town in the future. Kerry County Council and Tralee Town Council are to receive €1.3m in funding for the scheme announced two weeks ago. The Minister detailed what the Plan will do for the town here…
He also touched on the controversial subject of such amenity trails around the country and said that, where there is a dispute, it would be dealt with in a fair manner…(see video)
Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Pat Hussey, thanked Minister Kelly for his attendance at the opening. Cllr Hussey stated that offering cycling and walking opportunities for visitors to Tralee greatly enhanced the ability of the county to attract the activity tourism sector.
He stated that local communities have already also greatly benefitted from the Amenity, with students attending Mounthawk Secondary School able to use the trail to journey to and from school.
Both the Mayor and Town Manager, Michael McMahon gave praise to local residents, whose goodwill was crucial in bringing the project to fruition. “I want to personally thank the local community for your vision, commitment, generosity and support in facilitating in the delivery of this route,” he said.
And the Town Manager paid tribute to the staff of Kerry County Council and Tralee Town Council for their efforts in moving the project forward and completing it to such a high standard, also thanking Minister Kelly and the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport for their funding support.
