Tralee Chamber Alliance

Politician(s) lobbied: Mikey Sheehy (Councillor), Kerry County Council; James Browne (Minister), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Intent: Tralee Chamber believes the next RSES must support a delivery-focused framework centred on: 1. Liveability and quality of place. 2. Housing and infrastructure activation. 3. Renewable energy and green industry. 4. Community benefit and inclusion. 5. Regional connectivity. 6. Skills and workforce development. 7. Sustainable and balanced regional investment. ::Regional communities must be empowered not only to accommodate growth, but to benefit directly from it through sustainable employment, improved infrastructure, enhanced quality of life and long-term economic opportunity. The future success of the Southern Region will depend on the State's ability to invest confidently and consistently in the potential of regional Ireland.

Methods: Submission

Politician(s) lobbied: Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (MEP), European Parliament

Intent: Look to develop Tralee and Kerry as a destination for the Nordic states - addressing the over reliance on the US market and acknowledging the potential if greater efforts made with European market.::Town Centres Vibrancy - needs to address anti social behaviour in particularly looking for greater garda numbers and visibility. Ongoing year on year - where are we with Garda reserve numbers, whats possible in large urban centres such as Tralee.::Cost of doing business - the increase in visit of mininum wage and the knock on effect of that on all other pay rates. Wages are now 70% of total overhead costs. It's simply putting more and more small businesses, shops, cafes etc out of the business and the end result is total decline of town centres and villages.

Methods: Meeting

Politician(s) lobbied: Mikey Sheehy (Councillor), Kerry County Council; Terry O'Brien (Councillor), Kerry County Council

Intent: Tralee Chamber Alliance received from Kerry County Council the following funds: Environment Department €7000 on 11th February 2026 and CSF (Community Support Fund) €12500 on 12th March 2026 both were funding for Christmas in Tralee 2025.

Methods: Event / Reception

Politician(s) lobbied: Unknown

Intent: Unknown

Methods: Unknown

Politician(s) lobbied: Norma Foley (Minister), Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth; Pa Daly (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Mikey Sheehy (Councillor), Kerry County Council

Intent: Reform of Employer PRSI and Social Charges to ease cost pressures.::Enhanced Wage Subsidy and SME Support Schemes to protect jobs.::Investment in apprenticeships, lifelong learning and language training to strenghten workforce resiilence.::Greater focus on Housing, Town-Centre regeneration and Infrastructure to sustain long term growth.

Methods: Email

Politician(s) lobbied: Mikey Sheehy (Councillor), Kerry County Council

Intent: On Behalf of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Tralee Municipal District Council calls on Kerry County Council to explore the relocation of the Tralee Tourist Office from its current location to a more prominent and accessible location in the heart of Tralee Town Centre.

Methods: EmailPhone call

Politician(s) lobbied: Mikey Sheehy (Councillor), Kerry County Council

Intent: On Behalf of Tralee Chamber Alliance asks Tralee Municipal District Council to review how buskers operate in the town centre and to ascertain if regulations may be required.

Methods: Phone callEmail

Politician(s) lobbied: Mikey Sheehy (Councillor), Kerry County Council

Intent: Tralee's town centre has the potential to become a leading example of an inclusive, sustainable, and culturally vibrant urban space - one that serves as a hub for artists, and entrepreneurs while championing biodiversity and environmental responsibility. Our submission focuses on practical, people-first solutions that will create a welcoming, accessible, and economically dynamic town centre, aligning with Tralee Chamber's strategic vision.::1. A Cultural and Creative Hub: Empowering Artists and Creators by investing in existing infrastructure, Enhancing Public Space for Cultural Expression and Street Activation and Live Music.::2. Sustainability and Biodiversity: A Green vision for Tralee by Prioritising Green Infrastructure such as tree-planting, high-quality parasols and retractable awnings. Urban Biodiversity and Green Spaces, Sustainable Mobility and Accessibilty.::3. A Town Centre that Works for People: Supporting Local Businesses and Enterprises through grants, incentives etc. Af

Methods: Submission

Politician(s) lobbied: Peter Burke (Minister), Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Angie Baily (Councillor), Kerry County Council; Mike Kennelly (Senator), Seanad

Intent: The following was discussed with the Minister Peter Burke. 1. The reinstatement of the 9% VAT Rate.2. The rising cost of doing business. 3. Garda numbers and local security. 4. Connectivity, with a strong focus on re-establishing a direct Kerry Airport - Schiphol route. 5. The completion of the Astellas Plant and for further investment. 6. Tralee has an University town.::It was a productive discussion, and we appreciate the Minister's engagement on these critical matters. By working together, we can ensure Tralee and Kerry continue to grow as a thriving hub for business, education and connectivity.

Methods: Meeting

Politician(s) lobbied: Peter Burke (Minister), Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Angie Baily (Councillor), Kerry County Council; Mike Kennelly (Senator), Seanad

Intent: The following was discussed with the Minister Peter Burke. 1. The reinstatement of the 9% VAT Rate.2. The rising cost of doing business. 3. Garda numbers and local security. 4. Connectivity, with a strong focus on re-establishing a direct Kerry Airport - Schiphol route. 5. The completion of the Astellas Plant and for further investment. 6. Tralee has an University town.::It was a productive discussion, and we appreciate the Minister's engagement on these critical matters. By working together, we can ensure Tralee and Kerry continue to grow as a thriving hub for business, education and connectivity.

Methods: Meeting