Atkins has been commissioned by Kerry County Council to design a high quality refurbishment of Tralee town centre. The key objective of the scheme is to improve the centre as a safe and friendly environment for pedestrians and cyclists and as a result to improve the retail and commercial attractiveness of Tralee. This will be achieved through the enhancement of the public space and streetscape, and with designed traffic management initiatives. The scheme is part of the broader strategy to enhance Tralee through the Tralee Active Travel Town initiative, a funding programme of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTaS). Atkins guided the successful delivery of the project through the planning process, the detailed design and administered the tender process. "Atkins is well-placed to deliver this project, because of our technical excellence and successful track record in delivering sustainable and smarter travel projects and public realm enhancements. We look forward to completing this exciting project successfully with Kerry County Council, John Craddock Ltd (JCL) Contractors and the rest of the team," said Brian McKavanagh, associate director at Atkins. Atkins designed pavement, drainage systems, street lighting, rerouted services, pedestrian crossings and junction improvements to improve user experience through Tralee. The pavement design employed a high quality granite stone which will provide a durable footpath/carriageway while enhancing the attractiveness of the town centre. Atkins, Kerry County Council and JCL actively engaged with the general public and business owners directly and indirectly affected by the works to ensure the works are phased to have the least impact on local businesses and to provide a finished product that will encourage tourism and enhance trade in the town centre. "This project is a very important addition to the locality, which will greatly enhance Tralee town centre. The overall vision is to improve the town centre for the people of Tralee by creating a pedestrian and cycle friendly environment and a far more attractive and safer place in which to shop, visit, do business, and pass the time of day. It represents a significant investment by the Department of Transport and Kerry County Council in the infrastructure of Tralee," said Eamon Scanlan, Kerry County Council.