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Continuing our review of the year, here’s some of the news we brought you in June…
• Tralee pubs and restaurants were allowed open up again in early June for the first time since December.
The weather was kind as only outdoor dining/drinking was permitted but many businesses who could accommodate customers were very busy and blessed with fine weather during the month.
• Siamsa Tíre held its AGM in early June where Joe Leonard stepped down as chairman and was replaced by Seán Murphy of Murphy’s Ice Cream.
Joe, who is Group HR Director with PM Group, an engineering and construction management company in Cork, was first appointed as chairman in 2011.
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• TRALEE Chamber of Commerce was named the winner of the Best Digital Marketing Campaign Award at the Chamber Awards 2021.
The awards, hosted by Chambers Ireland and sponsored by Zurich, recognise the outstanding work of chambers of commerce throughout the country in supporting local, regional and national business.
The Tralee entry was also awarded second prize in their category in the inaugural .IE Digital Town Awards 2021 held in early June.
The Tralee Chamber entry — the Digital Tralee app and website project — was shortlisted alongside Drogheda and two Sligo projects in the Large Town (10,000+) category.
• The Strand Road community was out in force on Thursday, June 17 to welcome Jimmy Moran back to his shop.
Jimmy suffered a brain haemorrhage after a procedure earlier in the year and there was huge support and well wishes for him while he was recovering.
He was welcomed home after being discharged from hospital and people lined the streets to greet him.
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• The hot weather in June created problems at Kerry beaches again with Gardaí, Kerry County Council and the HSE appealing for motorists to park legally and responsibly when visiting public beaches and amenity areas.
There were parking issues at beaches and amenity areas throughout Kerry, including at Banna where a dangerous situation was created when emergency vehicles could not access areas.
• Irish Water announced that funding was available for a new waste water treatment plant in Fenit.
The project will now continue through the next stages including design, detailed planning, procurement and approvals.
Cllr Deirdre Ferris said the upgrade has been a long time coming and Fenit has been hindered in its development both residentially and commercially for years.
• Musicians from the Tralee area and beyond gathered in the Square in late June in a show of solidarity after the difficulties they have faced since the beginning of the COVID pandemic.
They were joined by local publicans and business owners who supported them in their call for clarity and guidance in terms of when they can get back to work in hotels, bars and venues, as society prepared to open further in July.
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• Tralee saw a new Mayor elected in June.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Johnnie Wall was first elected to Tralee Town Council in 1985 and this is his sixth term as Cathaoirleach/Mayor of the town. Cllr Mikey Sheehy is Deputy Mayor.
Mayor Wall said a priority during his year in the position is to establish a Jobs Taskforce for the town to attract employment.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Moloney from Listowel was elected Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council at a historic meeting of the local authority which was held at Austin Stack Park in Tralee.
• The Aqua Dome announced it was unlikely to open as scheduled in July due to COVID restrictions remaining in place by the Government .
A statement on June 30 read; “It now looks as though this [reopening] will not be possible with the Government postponing the opening of facilities such as the Aqua Dome.
“Indoor Exercise and activity are no longer allowed to reopen following the Government’s statement yesterday. We are seeking clarification on this, but it does not look hopeful for an opening of the Aqua Dome anytime soon. It looks like our pool will remain empty for the time being.”
• The appointment of Mr Jimmy Deenihan as Chairperson of MTU’s Governing Body was announced.
Former Minister and TD Mr Deenihan took up the role on foot of a public process carried out by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
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