The company behind the Rose of Tralee has announced its intention to bid for the Fels Point Hotel, the festival's home since 2007.

If successful, the facility may even be rebranded the “Rose of Tralee Hotel”, executive chair Anthony O’Gara announced today.

Backing has been secured for the bidding process on the Dan Spring Road property but details have not been made public.

“Such a move would be key to the long-term development and viability of the festival in Tralee,” Mr O’Gara said.

“Ownership of the hotel would be a pre-requisite for the development of a permanent dome on the adjacent Fels Point site. If the bid is successful, it would allow us to unlock the full potential of the festival.”

A new Rose of Tralee Festival Trust is being established with a view to eventually managing the overall project.

Mr O’Gara said the purchase attempt was bound to attract widespread community support and would provide a major boost to the local economy in Tralee and Kerry.