Lee Valley Park project goes ahead
After almost ten years of intensive planning the proposed ”Lee Valley Park“ between Tralee and Blennerville can finally take shape. Mary Hanafin, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, yesterday announced - somewhat unexpectedly by most in the current economic climate - that a quite generous grant of almost 3 million Euro has now been allocated to the project. I think this is great news for Tralee, especially because the park will be the only new tourism project of that scale in Ireland to go ahead this year.
I think it has a real potential to change the perception of the whole town of Tralee, because the new Lee Valley Park will close a so far unfilled “gap” between the town centre and the Blennerville Windmill right on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. Some other major attractions like the last operating section of the Tralee-Dingle Railway and the Aquadome are in close proximity and the already partially completed River Lee Walk and Cycle Way will eventually form a convenient connection to the southern parts of the town and other amenities as far east as Ballyseedy Wood.
The planning description for the park sounds quite promising:
“The proposed park includes a water activity area with artificial lake, walks, cycle way and childrens play area. Adjoining it to the west of the steam railway is the nature zone with wildlife habitats, bird hides and viewing tower. An eco-friendly visitor services centre overlooks the park.“
The picture has been taken today and shows the nicely restored stone bridge opposite the Aquadome, which will form part of the entrance to the park. Hopefully there will soon be much more to discover behind this bridge 
its about time they did something with that land.
it was only a few years ago when I was wandering those wet and boggy feilds.
To bad its next to a halting site!
Comment by jamie — July 22, 2010 @ 11:04 pm
Things seem to be moving soon, as could be read on radiokerry.ie today:
“20 Sep 2010
Contracts signed today for first part of Tralee Lee Valley Activity and Nature Park
Contracts have been signed today for the first part of Tralee’s Lee Valley Activity and Nature Park. Griffin Brothers Contractors Castleisland have been awarded the contract, with papers signed at Tralee Town Council chambers this morning. The park is expected to open in Tralee next May, creating up to 20 jobs and attracting 70,000 visitors to the town annually. It’s on a 20 acre site on the Ballyard Road and is to include a nature reserve, and an activity zone, as well as a visitor centre and viewing tower.”
Comment by Holger — September 21, 2010 @ 9:07 am
[…] Lee Valley Park project goes ahead […]
Pingback by The Tralee Blog » Works on Lee Valley Park have commenced — September 23, 2010 @ 3:56 pm
i once worked in tralee for a few weeks and walked all over the town, so i saw everything. But only the way to blennerville was not really enjoyable… (i walked along the street… maybe there’s already a better way to go there).
Now you get your charming town connected with one of your major sights through a great sight…
as a foreign visitor i would say that’s a win for everyone…
greetings from austria
peter
Comment by peter — October 14, 2011 @ 8:42 am