The €2 million redeveloped historic town square in Tralee was officially opened yesterday amid music, street theatre and a carnival atmosphere.
The work is the first step in a battle to regenerate the town centre to offset a loss of business to huge retail and housing developments on the southern outskirts of the town.
The new square features a stage theatre area for concerts, and a performance area for jugglers and musicians. New street furniture, lighting and outdoor information points have been installed.
A mixture of cream French limestone paving and grey limestone bollards has been used in the development. Project manager Mr James Clifford, said the colour mix was chosen because of its all-weather "uplifting character".
Mayor of Tralee, Mr Johnny Wall recalled that the square had a continuous trading history going back to the early 1700s. It was filled with clothes shops, grocers, whiskey sellers and there was a strong trade in turf, fruit and eggs.
Some €70 million is to be spent on further major works in Tralee, including underground car parking and the development of sites that will see most of the centre of the town pedestrianised.
Mr Gerard Hogan, whose shop Hogan's Home Decorating Store is the oldest continuous business on the square, said he was reserving judgment on the development. "We just don't know. It looks grand, but is a bit empty. We would like to see the traders back," Mr Hogan said, touching on what is for Tralee Town Council officials a sore subject.
A stand-off has developed with the street traders and there has been no budge in nine months of talks. Council officials want the traders to adopt a uniform French marquee-type tent to match the new square. However, backed by most of the councillors, the traders say the tents would be too costly and lacked "oomph".