KERRY County Council – in conjunction with the Heritage Council and Tralee Chamber Alliance – hosted a very successful seminar on the future of Denny Street on Friday last.

The event, held at the Kerry County Museum, focused on how to maximise the use and efficiency of properties on Denny Street while having regard to its important history and heritage features.

Technical advice on building conservation, energy efficiency, conservation grants, fire and access, town centre management and improvement were provided by international and national speakers which included a Conservation Architect, a Fire Officer, a Conservation Officer, the Heritage Council and a Director of Architecture and Design from Scotland.

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Following the speakers, there were workshop discussions which were very well attended with a lively discussion and debate ensuing.

Discussions focussed on how to revitalise the street, what practical solutions could be used to improve the street and buildings, and how the street can be better connected to the wider town centre.

“Key emerging issues included the planning and the regulatory framework, finance, use of art and colour, and the integration of the key hubs around the street,” said Victoria McCarthy, Architectural Conservation Officer with Kerry County Council.

“The need for on-going momentum and celebration of the success of the event was highlighted throughout the discussions. The findings and conclusions of the workshops will be collated and a final report will be prepared later in the summer,” she said.

“The positive energy and enthusiasm displayed by those in attendance was exceptional. The setting up of a prize fund for secondary school students for murals, the potential for a rates incentive package and development contribution scheme proposals for use of protected structure were just some of the other ideas discussed,” she said.

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A building advice manual for owners of historic properties has been published as part of the seminar which was available to all attendees.

KERRY County Council in association with the Heritage Council and Tralee Chamber Alliance will host a free public seminar on Friday, June 30 at Kerry County Museum on the future of Denny Street.

The aim of the seminar is to stimulate change and to transform Denny Street from a place to pass through into a destination, showcasing the value of its heritage and unique character and promoting economic regeneration.

At the moment, 20 per cent of the buildings are empty and over 40 per cent have empty floor space at upper levels.

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Fire and access regulations, conservation and lack of finance are seen as impediments to using the buildings and bringing them back to their former glory.

People attending the seminar will have a chance to engage in workshop discussions on how to get the best out of the buildings.

There will be information on conservation grants, advice on how to address fire and access issues and information on energy efficiency among other issues.

The free seminar starts at 9am with an address by Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell. Workshops take place from 11.30am and 1pm. For further details, email victoria.mccarthy@kerrycoco.ie

SO, as most of you are aware, Denny Street in Tralee will fully re-open to traffic on Monday next, May 22 and a new two-way traffic system will come into effect.

The change is part of the Tralee Active Travel Town project and a €1.7m investment in Tralee town centre and represents the completion of the Denny Street phase of the works.

So here’s what changes will come into being from next Monday.

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From Monday at 6.00am, traffic, except for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), will be permitted to turn from Prince’s Street and Godfrey Place onto Ivy Terrace and onto Denny Street before veering right onto Castle Street/Ashe Street.

Parallel parking has been reintroduced on Denny Street in recent days replacing the former perpendicular parking arrangements.

There are new raised pedestrian crossings on the street and a new cycle path has been provided at sufficient distance from the parking area to ensure the safety of motorists and cyclists. Motorists are asked to drive with care while they familiarise themselves with the new layout.

In summary, the following changes will be place from Monday, May 22 at 6.00am:

• Traffic will be two-way on Denny Street
• Traffic (except for HGVs) can turn from Prince’s Street/Godfrey Place  onto Ivy Terrace and proceed along Denny Street
• At the top of Denny Street, traffic will veer right onto Castle/Ashe Street
• There will be parallel parking on both sides of Denny Street
• The Mall will remain closed to traffic as works continue there

Motorists are asked to pay attention to additional signage and new traffic lights and signals and to proceed with caution while members of the public adjust to the new arrangements.

Work on a significant enhancement of The Mall is continuing to schedule and Tralee town centre remains fully open for business.