6 days ago
One of Kerry's earliest post-independence structures set for revamp
The Ashe Memorial Hall, located at the foot of Denny Street, is an iconic structure and visually impressive building dating to the 1920s.
The building was one of the earliest post-independence projects to take place in Tralee and was named after Irish patriot Thomas Ashe. Building works commenced in 1924 and were completed in 1928.
The proposed works were agreed on by Tralee Municipal District councillors at a meeting in July following a period of public consultation that expired in May.
Among the improvements will be provision for a roof garden with glazed circulation area including lift and stairs access and solar PV panels.
The adaptation of existing mansard roof attic space into a new museum space with central rooflight overhead is also being considered.
Restoration of the existing original windows throughout the building will take place, including consolidation and repointing of stonework, roof restoration and conservation of existing railings.
Improvement of accessibility to the building with the addition of universally accessible toilets and 'changing places' toilet will feature, as will the addition of an external accessible ramp at the front of the building.
The Ashe Hall, which is a protected structure, currently accommodates the Kerry County Museum, some Kerry County Council offices, the Rose of Tralee offices and a seasonal Tourist Information Office.
Kerry County Council secured funding for the works through the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme co-funded through the Government and the European Union.
Among the proposals arising from the public consultation are the addition of a sensory room, a space to enhance bicycle parking in the town centre, and the incorporation of the New European Bauhaus principles as part of the Ashe Memorial Hall works.
