WORK on the public realm aspect of the Island of Geese site is to commence in the summer, when the Government gives the go ahead for construction to resume next month as part of the roadmap to reopening society.

Tralee Municipal District Manager, Michael Scannell, gave an update on the Island of Geese project at the online meeting of Tralee MD councillors on Monday morning.

He said work will start on the public realm which will consist of a paved walkway from Matt Talbot Road to the chimney stack at the centre of the site and over as far as the Garda station. He also said additional funding is being sought for the amphitheatre planned at the public realm near the chimney.

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Cllr Johnnie Wall asked the Council to look into providing a cover for the amphitheatre to ensure it could be used in all weather. Mr Scannell said they would look into the feasibility of this.

Mr Scannell said the Council is still in talks with the Courts Service about whether a new Courthouse will be located at the east side of the site. He also said the Council has engaged consultants to examine what could be done to bring the current Courthouse in Ashe Street up to standard.

He also clarified that the social housing units planned on the Matt Talbot Road side will be located on land previously acquired by the Council, with only a very small portion of the Island of Geese site used for this.

Plans for an office block and retail/restaurant/cafe unit on the east side of the site were approved last year.