THREE Cabinet Ministers, including the Tánaiste, have given commitments to retain full court services in Tralee, to retain the Kerry-Dublin PSO and to secure a high quality client for the Advanced Technology Building at Kerry Technology Park.
Tralee Chamber Alliance led a delegation of high profile business people and public representatives to meet with An Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at Leinster House, Dublin on Tuesday 4th April.
The group also met with the Fianna Fáil leader, Mícheál Martin and his party’s Justice and Jobs spokespeople, Jim O’Callaghan and Niall Collins; the CEO of IDA Ireland, Martin Shanahan; American Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Director, Brian Cotter; AIB’s Group Head of Business Banking, Catherine Moroney; and the CEO of Stobart Air, Graeme Buchanan.
It was followed by an hour-long meeting last week with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross during his visit to Tralee.
The Chief Executive of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Kieran Ruttledge, said: “The objective of the meetings was to raise our concerns and put forward some solutions to issues relating to business investment and job creation in the town. The Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Terry O’Brien and Tralee Town Manager were in attendance at the meetings with IDA and American Chamber of Commerce. We were encouraged by the level of positive commitment from current and potential decision makers in respect to job creation, law and order and connectivity. Kerry TDs John Brassil, Michael Healy-Rae, Danny Healy-Rae, Brendan Griffin and Martin Ferris helped to secure the appointments at Leinster House. Joe Shannon and Diarmuid Leen from AIB Bank Tralee facilitated a number of business meetings at AIB Bank Centre in Ballsbridge.”
While the Minister for Justice and Equality, France Fitzgerald gave a commitment to retain court services in Tralee, the group informed her that the proposal to build a new courthouse on a green-field site at Ballymullen Barracks would have a devastating impact on the town centre.
The Tánaiste said that other options would be considered but she and her advisors, who were in attendance, added that the renovation of the existing courthouse on Ashe Street would be the least likely option owing to the huge cost.
At separate meetings, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor and the CEO of IDA Ireland, Martin Shanahan, both underlined their commitment to secure a new company for the Advanced Manufacturing Building at Kerry Technology Park.
The delegation also called on the politicians to the finalise the legislation that will lead to the establishment of the Munster Technological University in Tralee and to include a commitment to bypass Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale in the ongoing mid-term review of the Capital Infrastructure Plan.
Minister Ross was also asked to confirm the start date for work on the Macroom and Adare by-pass projects.
A copy of the Invest in Tralee Brochure, published by Tralee Chamber Alliance and a promotional video “Tralee in 60 Seconds”, on an e-card from Digital Greetings at HQ Tralee, were presented at each meeting.
The delegation included Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Terry O’Brien; Tralee Town Manager, Michael Scannell; former Tánaiste, Dick Spring; CEO of Dairymaster, Edmond Harty; CEO of Aspen Grove Solutions, Sean Ryan; Managing Director of HR Suite, Caroline McEnery; Managing Director of Storystock, Francis Fitzgibbon; Ireland Head of JRI America, Shane Walsh; Vice President of IT Tralee, Bríd McElligott; Foundation Director of IT Tralee, Ogie Moran; Joe Shannon and Diarmuid Leen from AIB Tralee; and Tralee Chamber Alliance CEO and President, Kieran Ruttledge and John Drummey respectively.
