Tralee Town Council is seeking building contractors for the new Lee Valley Project which was given the go-ahead last month.

The proposed €4.2m 8 hectare eco-tourism development comprises of a nature park focussing on the diversity of the internationally renowned Tralee Bay Nature Reserve.

Novel features include a safari-style boat ride and viewing tower offering panoramic views of Tralee Bay.

A new Visitor Centre will act as an interpretation centre of the estuarine wetlands and as an orientation centre for the natural history of west and north Kerry. The activity zone comprises a lake for light water sport activities, 2.3km of walking and cycling trails and a smaller lake stocked with fish.

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The Council has worked closely with Failte Ireland South West, the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Institute of Technology Tralee, South West Fisheries, Holiday Tralee, and other local state and voluntary groups in developing its proposals. The project will be developed in stages over the next nine months with site investigation works commencing before the end of June. It is planned to have it operational by the 2011 tourist season. Access to the activity zone will be free but there will be a fee to access the nature zone.

The notice inviting Contractors to submit their details if they wish to be shortlisted for the project has been advertised on the eTenders public procurement website. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Wednesday 28th July at 12 noon. The link to the eTenders site is: www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUL159535

(GK/BMcC)