1.10 Recreation, Amenity & Open Space
1.10 Recreation, Amenity and Open Space
The provision of public open space and recreational facilities is deemed to be an integral part of the required infrastructure of the town. Sports and recreational facilities in the town include GAA clubs, a rowing club, boxing club, basketball clubs, martial arts, tennis club, soccer and rugby clubs, swimming pools and gymnasiums, athletics, cycling and so on. It should be noted however that many of these sporting groups do not have their own facilities and depend upon renting facilities and /or land. The potential for promoting dual usage of recreational and amenity facilities will be assessed during the lifetime of this plan. It is also an objective of the Council to prohibit development on lands zoned for parks and recreation purposes in the Development Plan as it is considered that the provision and protection of these areas is of paramount importance for the citizens of the town of all ages. The Council also recognises the important role these facilities can play in promoting social inclusion, especially amongst non -nationals and minority groups.
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Recreation, Amenity and Open Space It is an objective of the Council to: |
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TR 79 |
Sustainably develop the Canal area for water-based recreational activities in a manner compatible with nature conservation objectives. |
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TR 80 |
Continue the development of riverside walks and linkages as opportunities arise at appropriate locations along the banks of the River Lee to Ballyseedy Wood and along the Big River, subject to environmental assessment. |
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TR 81 |
Sustainably develop Nun’s Wood, Killeen as an Amenity Walk. |
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TR 82 |
Sensitively Improve/upgrade and repairs to existing Dingle Way/Kerry Camino Amenity Trail– subject to environmental assessment. |
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TR 83 |
Improve/upgrade the existing Lohercannon / Cockleshell Amenity Greenway from Tralee to the Spa, having regard to environmental designations in the area. |
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TR 84 |
Further develop the Tralee – Fenit Blueway, including enhancements to the Tralee Canal, to enhance wider participation in sustainable outdoor recreational activities. |
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TR 85 |
Facilitate and support the refurbishment of the Tralee – Blennerville railway line/steam train in a manner compatible with the Tralee Bay Natura 2000 designations. |
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TR 86 |
Support the development of a mountain bike/BMX pump track and a skate park at an appropriate location in Tralee. |
1.10.1 Tralee Town Park
Tralee Town Park - “The Green” - located in the heart of Tralee Town is one of the largest urban public parks in Ireland. Purchased by Tralee Urban District Council in 1922, it covers 35 acres and comprises of manicured gardens, walkways, a wide array of tree species, a community garden, a large playground and much more. The urban landscape of Tralee is enhanced by its open spaces, gardens and trees. Collectively they contribute to Tralee’s Green Infrastructure and the conservation of Tralee’s natural ecosystem values and functions.
The vision for Tralee Town Park is; “To facilitate and promote a safe, accessible, educational and engaging multi-use outdoor green-space that is diverse in cultural and natural heritage thereby enhancing the visitor experience and quality of life of Tralee’s vibrant inclusive community.”
The Strategy for Tralee Town Park will be the first of its kind for The Green and it is envisaged that its launch in 2022 will mark its 100 years as a free access public park. It will guide its management over the coming years and will evolve with updated versions in the future. The community’s view has been fundamental in the formulation of the strategy through public consultation and will continue to inform and develop the services and resources offered by The Green.
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Tralee Town Park Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: |
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TR 87 |
Facilitate the enhancement of the Town Park in accordance with The Tralee Town Park Strategy. |
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TR 88 |
Incorporate the Tralee Town Park into a Biodiversity Action Plan for strengthening Tralee’s existing Green Infrastructure and facilitate its expansion in line with The EU’s Bio-diversity Strategy 2030. |
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TR 89 |
Facilitate improved linkages from the Town Centre to the Park through an enhanced Piazza at St Johns Church and associated wayfinding and pavement improvements. |
1.10.2 The Rivers and Ship Canal
Tralee has an attractive physical setting formed in part by its main rivers, the River Lee, the Big River, and other rivers such as the Clashlehane River and other tributaries. The Ship Canal links the town with Tralee Bay. The waterways and coastal zone, also designated as Natura 2000 sites, are an important element in defining Tralee’s natural heritage and together with the town’s flora and fauna, combine to form the natural back drop for the town’s-built environment.
The guiding policy objective is to ensure that these valuable natural resources are conserved, managed and developed, so as to support sustainable economic activity, job creation, eco-tourism and leisure based activities. In addition, the Council recognises the potential of these areas to provide an attractive setting for recreational and amenity activities such as cycling and walking. Riverwalk development proposals, both public and private sector, shall be designed to ensure the amenity potential of these areas are fully realised having regard to environmental designations in the area.
1.10.2.1 Tralee Canal Blueway
Kerry County Council proposes to strengthen the links between Tralee and the Tralee Bay Area with the sustainable development of a Blueway along the Tralee Canal. The Tralee Canal is located to the south-west of Tralee Town Centre and runs for 2.5km west to the sea.
Map 1.11: Tralee Canal Blueway (click to enlarge)
The sustainable development of a Blueway would provide an opportunity to revitalise and re-use a significant and historical element of Tralee’s infrastructure while offering an enhanced quality of life to the local community, potential to stimulate local businesses, expand Tralee’s recreational opportunities, connect with new and existing and proposed Greenways and walking trails and attract more visitors.
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The Rivers and Ship Canal Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: |
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TR 90 |
Provide for public access to the riverbanks of the River Lee and Big River in a manner compatible with biodiversity protection and to reserve lands free from development to facilitate such access. |
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TR 91 |
Subject to environmental assessment to provide for a continuous riverside walk and cycleway with improved public access along both banks of the River Lee from the Town boundary at Manor to the Dingle Road with additional tree planting, signage, lighting along the routes and directional signage for pedestrians and cyclists. |
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TR 92 |
Facilitate the sensitive repair and upgrade of the Shipping Canal and Basin as required for the purposes of their management, promotion and active leisure use as Tralee Canal Blueway, subject to environmental assessment. |
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TR 93 |
Ensure development proposals enhance the visual and recreational amenity and eco- tourism potential of the town’s waterways. |
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TR 94 |
Require that developments adjacent to river walks or planned river walks are designed to promote passive and active surveillance of the river walks. |
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TR 95 |
Protect views to and from Tralee Bay and along the Canal. |
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TR 96 |
Facilitate and support the ongoing maintenance (including dredging) of the Tralee Canal to ensure its use as a navigational waterway and amenity subject to compliance with the Habitats and EIA Directives. |