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Council confirm algae risk in National Park

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By Sean Moriarty

Dog owners are this week being advised by Kerry County Council to keep pets on a lead while walking them in the National Park as laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of a blue-green algae, which has the potential to form an algal scum.

This week Council staff carried out laboratory tests and in accordance with protocols for these situations, precautionary signage has been erected at locations along the shore of Lough Leane, and those who frequent the shoreline are being advised to exercise caution, as it can be harmful to small animals.

As a precaution, members of the public should ensure that dogs are kept on leads and not allowed to enter the water.

The announcement comes just a week after the Killarney Advertiser reported that at least one local dog had died after coming in contact with water in the National Park.

Local vet Danny O’Sullivan treated at least one local dog for suspected algae poisoning in the last week.

“Daily inspections of the shoreline will take place and further samples will be taken as required,” a Council spokesperson said.

Blue-green ‘algae’ is not actually an algae but is made from Cyanobacteria which feed on nutrients in water.

Cyanobacteria is harmful in other respects too as it can use up the oxygen in water and block sunlight that freshwater plants and animals need to survive . However, it is also a valuable food source for soil-based plants.

A previous outbreak three years ago led to the death of a number of dogs.

Outbreaks of blue-green algae occur now on an annual basis in Killarney, regardless of weather conditions, although muggy humid conditions seem to accelerate the occurrence.

This has been an ongoing issue in the National Park for the last 20 years or more with some sources blaming phosphates from fertilizers used by farmers finding its way into the eco system, while others say it is caused by detergents seeping in to the lakes.

 

 

 

 

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HeartBeat’s expert talk on the science of sleep

HeartBeat Kil larney will focus on the vital role of sleep in cardiac and mental health at its next community meeting on February 24. The event, held at the Parish […]

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larney will focus on the vital role of sleep in cardiac and mental health at its next community meeting on February 24.
The event, held at the Parish Centre on Park Road, features guest speaker Dr Anna O’Sullivan, a Senior Clinical Psychologist with the HSE.
Following her previous popular sessions with the group, Dr O’Sullivan will return to provide a deep dive into the neuroscience of sleep.
The talk will explore why rest is a cornerstone of physical and mental well-being and how sleep requirements shift throughout various life stages, from childhood and the teenage years to parenthood, perimenopause, and older adulthood.
Attendees can expect practical advice on managing common sleep difficulties and strategies for improving sleep quality. Dr O’Sullivan will also outline simple self-care actions that can maintain or enhance long-term sleeping habits, as well as the long-term impacts of insufficient rest.
The meeting begins at 8:00 pm at the Parish Centre and is open to all members of the community. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation, and the evening will conclude with light refreshments and an opportunity for attendees to chat.

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Parking plan for Muckross Rowing Club boat launch

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Muckross Rowing Club will host a landmark event on Sunday to officially launch and bless three new additions to its racing fleet.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the club’s boathouse at 2pm and represents a significant moment in the club’s long-standing history.


The club has issued an open invitation to all past and present members, as well as supporters, friends, and family, to join in the celebrations.

Following the formal blessing and naming of the boats, light refreshments will be served at the boathouse for all attendees.


For those planning to attend the event, parking will be situated at the Muckross House car park.


The club has requested that anyone requiring parking access closer to the boathouse make contact with a committee member in advance so that appropriate assistance and arrangements can be made.


The core of the celebration is the naming of the boats in honour of three of the club’s most distinguished athletes: Paul Griffin, Sean Casey, and Cathal Moynihan.


These three oarsmen achieved the ultimate success in the sport by representing Ireland at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.


Having started their journeys as Muckross juniors before rising through the international ranks, their legacy continues to be a major source of pride for the club as they are immortalised in the newest fleet.

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