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Reduced number of gorse fires in the region

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By Sean Moriarty

Killarney Fire and Rescue Service is reporting a reduction in the number of gorse fires it has attended in recent weeks.

The months of March and April is the traditional gorse burning season as farmers, sometimes illegally, try to burn off last winter’s foliage and allow for new spring growth.

In recent years these fires have burnt out of control, putting people and lives at risk as firefighters could spend days in the mountains trying to control blazes. Wildlife, especially nesting birds, are badly affected by the fires.

Other causes include carelessly discarded cigarette butts, especially in drier conditions.

The last major gorse fire in the area was at the end of March when two units of Kenmare and one unit from Killarney fire station spent hours tackling an illegal blaze.

However, since that date, Killarney officers are reporting a reduction – by at least a third – in the number of gorse fires they attended compared to the same period last year.

“It is down to a few things,” Station Officer Paudie Mangan told the Killarney Advertiser. “Kerry County Council ran a massive awareness campaign and that seems to be working. There are less people out and about too, and less people in the National Park so less discarded butts.”

He warned people not to become complacent despite the reduction in the number of gorse fires as every incident the fire service has to attend is preventing resources from attending other serious incidents in the area.

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Soroptimist make €3k donation to Rockmount Care Centre

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Members of the Killarney Soroptimist Society visited the Rockmount Care Centre on Wednesday, to present a cheque for €3000 to Nurse Manager Mary Hussey.


The significant sum was raised during the society’s successful annual pancake morning held on Shrove Tuesday at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.
Rockmount Care Centre provides essential support as a dedicated day care facility for individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, serving many clients and families from the Killarney area.
These funds arrive at a vital time, as they are earmarked for the centre’s new sensory garden project, which is currently in the design phase.
Pictured at the presentation are Soroptimists members handing over the proceeds to Mary Hussey. The society extended their thanks to the Killarney Avenue Hotel and all those who supported the fundraiser to help make this donation possible.

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Public realm works begin on Main Street and Kenmare Place

Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This phase of the project, […]

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Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

This phase of the project, funded by the URDF, focuses on enhancing the streetscape and accessibility of both Main Street and Kenmare Place.
To allow the appointed contractors to carry out the investment safely, a section of the R-878 on Main Street, stretching from Kenmare Place to Plunkett Street, is now closed to traffic. This first period of construction is scheduled to run from April 20 until July 3.
Recognising the importance of the tourism season, the council has confirmed the street will fully reopen from July 4 to October 4 to accommodate peak summer traffic. Following this break, works will resume for a second period starting October 5 and running until December 4.
While vehicle diversions are in place, pedestrian access to all businesses and emergency service access will be maintained throughout the construction phases. Kerry County Council stated that these works are part of a wider programme to improve the safety and quality of the town centre and has thanked the public and local business owners for their cooperation during these essential improvements.

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