1.7 Economy & Employment

1.7 Economy and Employment

An essential element in Tralee’s plan for growth is to create a positive environment for investment that positions the town as not mere retail centres, but more as broad-based resources that provide a wide range of employment, leisure and community opportunities resulting in sustainable growth in income and employment over time. 

The greatest number of jobs is in the broad sector of distributive services, which includes wholesale and retail trade as well as transport and storage, and hotels and restaurants. Tralee has slightly more jobs in health, education and social work, reflecting the importance of the Munster Technological University, University Hospital Kerry and the Bon Secours private hospital to the town. 

1.7.1 Knowledge Economy

Kerry County Council will focus on the development of the knowledge-based technology and services industries to underpin economic growth in the Town as an integral component of the Kerry Hub Knowledge Triangle. Furthermore, efforts to attract inward investment, support for indigenous industries and the continuing improvements to the environmental tourism product will also be actively pursued to enhance Tralee’s key economic role on the Atlantic Economic Corridor and Wild Atlantic Way. Critical to the success of this economic development will be the sustainable growth of Tralee as an exemplar in the provision of 3^rd Level Education.

The development of  the Island of Geese brownfield site as an urban mixed-use and residential quarter, realising its potential as an “innovation district”, where leading-edge anchor institutions and established companies cluster and connect with start-ups, business incubators, and accelerators [1] “Innovation Districts are physically compact, transit-accessible, and technically wired and offer mixed use housing, office, and retail[2]”. Innovation districts offer the prospect of expanding employment and educational opportunities for disadvantaged populations given that many districts are close to low-to-moderate income communities. And at a time of inefficient land use, they present the potential for denser residential and employment patterns, the leveraging of mass transit, and the repopulation of urban cores[3] . (See also Volume 1; Chapter 9; Economic Development).  

1.7.2 Higher Education/Research

Tralee has a wide range of educational facilities. The recently established Munster Technological University Campus in Tralee will enhance and support Tralee’s role as an economic driver in the region and University Town. The continuing provision and improvement of higher-level education is vital to enhancing the educational profile and reputation of Tralee. The strengthening of the education sector will help reduce poverty, improve the attractiveness of the town as a place to locate, invest and cultivate socio-economic prosperity.

The Kerry Technology Park and Munster Technological University are co-located on adjoining campuses. The co-location of these education, employment and research entities are of regional significance with potential for expansion, ease of mobility, proximity to the Kerry Airport and availability of a skilled labour force.

[1] Katz, B and Wagner J, “The Rise of Innovation Districts: A New Geography of Innovation in America”, Metropolitan Policy Program, Brookings

[2] Idem

[3] Idem