TRALEE’S Purple Flag – which recognises the quality of the night-time experience in the town – was raised this morning at the Tralee Municipal District Offices at Prince’s Quay.

The flag, which was presented to the town at an awards ceremony in Norwich in November was flown by the Mayor of Tralee, Norma Foley, and the President of the Tralee Chamber Alliance, Aidan Kelly.

The Purple Flag is an internationally recognised accreditation which honours towns which have a safe, vibrant and well-managed night-time economy.

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In a team approach, the Gardaí, Kerry County Council, vintners and other representatives of the hospitality sector were involved in a comprehensive application process which was led by Tralee Chamber Alliance.

Two judges visited Tralee last summer and toured the town visiting amenities and attractions including pubs, hotels and restaurants, Siamsa Tíre, the KDYS and Tralee Town Park.

The Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Norma Foley, said: “I was delighted to hoist the flag at Prince’s Quay today. Coming as it did on top of Tralee’s Gold Medal in the Tidy Towns last year and Tralee being named Ireland’s Most Enterprising Town for 2017, this is another vote of confidence in the town. It will help to further enhance Tralee’s reputation as a vibrant and wonderful place to live.’

President of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Aidan Kelly said: “Purple Flag destinations distinguish themselves by being vibrant and well-managed and this achievement will give Tralee a much needed boost. The judges were particularly impressed by the facilities that the town has to offer families and the great range of drinking and dining options. Our Purple Flag coordinator, David Scott, and his team deserve much credit for their tireless efforts over the past number of months to prepare the application and the Judges’ tour of Tralee. Their hard work has paid-off and now the onus is on everyone in Tralee to ensure that we retain the Purple Flag into the future.’