Library Exhibition Charts Tralee Development
 

Photo: Cllr. Miriam McGillicuddy, Mayor of Tralee, with Eamon Browne (left) and County Archivist, Michael Lynch, with the original Charter of Tralee (1613) at the opening of the new exhibition on the development of Tralee at Tralee Library.
 

An exhibition charting the development of Tralee from the 1800s has opened (Dec 5) at Tralee Library. Speaking at the opening, the Mayor of Tralee, Cllr. Miriam McGillicuddy, said the exhibition is part of the public information programme being organised by the Town Council in the lead up to the adoption of the new Tralee Town Plan. She thanked the County Librarian and the staff of the library for their assistance in mounting the exhibition.

The original Charter of Tralee granted by James I in 1613 forms the centrepiece of the display which also includes Lawrence photographic records, newsreel videos, maps and books from the library’s local history archive.

The population of Tralee has doubled since 1900. Back then Clash Cross in the East, Caherina in the west, Fairies Cross to the North and Princes Quay to the south were the extremes of the built up area. Blennerville was as vibrant as it is today though the windmill had fallen into disrepair.

The greatest changes in Tralee have taken place since the 1970s. An RTE documentary on Tralee recorded in 1966 shows the town not too different from how Lawrence had viewed it some 70 years earlier. Video footage from the 1980s shows the restoration of the windmill, cleaning of the Ship Canal and building of the Aqua Dome. Recent developments are also featured including the redevelopment of The Square and Ashe Street, the building of the new fountain at Ballyard and the transformation of Pennys and Heatons on The Mall.

Current and future issues facing Tralee are also highlighted. These vary from Housing Needs and Social Inclusion to the town’s Built and Natural Heritage, Transportation and the challenges of Climate Change and the Information Technology (ICT) revolution.

Last week the Council hosted an information day followed by workshop sessions on the plan and the library exhibition is a continuation of the public consultation process.

The Mayor wants as many people as possible to visit the exhibition which runs until Christmas. She hopes that teachers will arrange class visits and hopes that people will make their views known on the new Town Plan. Members of the public have until Wednesday, December 19th to make submissions to the draft development plan. These can be submitted directly to the Planning Department, Tralee Town Hall, placed in the submission box provided at Tralee Library or via email to townplan@traleetc.ie