TRALEE Racecourse looks set to finally be built upon following an application by local developers for permission to demolish all existing buildings on the site.

Ballybeggan Park ceased racing 15 years ago and was sold at that time to developers for a reported €40 million but the deal fell through when the recession hit in 2008. The 100-acre property has lain idle since then but has hosted the North Kerry point-to-point since 2011.

Last year the racecourse lands were bought for just €5 million by the Ard-Rí Group, a local company specialising in homeware and stoves. It’s believed they plan to build a manufacturing and distribution centre on the site.

According to a report in The Kerryman this week, Tadhg Casey Architects on behalf of Ard Ri Marble applied to Kerry County Council in November for permission to demolish all existing buildings on the site.

The proposed demolition of all existing buildings and structures within the site boundary is thought to represent ‘a necessary step’ to enable the optimal use of the lands and support their transition from a disused former racecourse to ‘future development’ consistent with the site’s zoning under the Kerry County Development Plan 2022- 2028.

A decision is expected on January 22nd.