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Fly tipping biggest cause of litter in National Park
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Fly tipping biggest cause of litter in National Park
By Sean Moriarty
Fly tipping is the biggest cause of litter in the National Park and it is causing problems for the park’s wildlife.
That is according to the park’s Conservation Ranger Peter O’Toole.
Mr O’Toole has been monitoring deer activity in the park for over 30 years.
Last week he took a photograph of a stag with a plastic rubbish bag trapped in his antlers.
It was taken on Saturday September 21, the day after 1000s of Killarney students took part in a climate change rally in the town.
Overall, litter is not a huge issue in the park, Mr O’Toole stated but at the times of heavy rains, litter and other rubbish tends to get washed down the rivers Flesk and Deenagh and into to the lakes.
“Wave action on the lakes brings this rubbish the to the shore, the issue is fly tipping further up the catchment area,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “This is mating or rutting season and deer tend to scrape the ground in frustration so this is the only time of the year you would see something like this. But I have seen it more and more in recent years. I am working in the park since the 1980s and would not have seen this in the past.”
Single use plastic bottles is another growing problem in the park. Once the vegetation starts to thin in the autumn months, bottles that were discarded during the busy summer months become more visible.
“We see a lot more plastic than we did in the past,” he added. “But groups like Valley Rowing Club and Lough Lein Anglers volunteer to clean up the lakes shores. “
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
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