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Chamber welcomes commitment to enhance National Park

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Government confirmation that a number of capital projects are to be advanced to aid the recovery of Killarney National Park from the devastating wild fires has been warmly welcomed by Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.

Minister of State for Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, TD, has confirmed in Dáil Éireann that his department will work to enhance the activity programme in the park this year and that a “significant number” of capital projects will be progressed to enhance the visitor experience.

Minister Noonan was responding to a parliamentary question from Kerry TD and Deputy Government Chief Whip, Brendan Griffin, who asked what plans were being made to help the park to recover.

Welcoming the capital projects announcement, Killarney Chamber said it was very encouraging also that Minister Noonan confirmed that many of the 60 new conservation rangers to be recruited will be deployed in the Killarney and the southern region. They will deal with a range of functions, including wildlife crime.
Minister Noonan also praised the role played by the Killarney Meitheal group which he described as “a hugely valued volunteer corps”.

Meitheal coordinator, retired park ranger Peter O’Toole, has confirmed that the group is ready and willing to resume its work on the eradication of the invasive rhododendron, in conjunction with the NPWS, once COVID-19 restrictions allow.

Minister Noonan expressed his gratitude to the NPWS and Fire Service staff whose swift response saved the vaunted ancient woodlands and other important habitats from the recent wild fires.
Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce President, Niall Kelleher, said it is very reassuring that the Minister of State and his officials hold Killarney National Park in such great esteem and that it remains very high on their list of priorities for further development and enhancement.

“On behalf of everybody in Killarney, I thank Minister Noonan for his very proactive approach and I thank Deputy Brendan Griffin for ensuring the park remains well up there on the political agenda,” the Chamber President added.

​​​​​​​Minister Noonan said staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service are conducting work to assess the initial impacts of the fire and they are currently mapping the entire boundary of the blaze and using satellite data.
Conservation rangers are now undertaking internal mapping of the area that was damaged and conducting preliminary assessments of the impacts and severity of the fire on various habitats and vegetation types. NPWS officials are also preparing specifications for a comprehensive, in-depth assessment of the long-term effects of the fire and where restoration efforts can be concentrated.

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

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West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]

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A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month.
In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of Arts has partnered with the Great Southern Killarney to offer audiences an unrivaled theatre experience.

The West End Players Ensemble will present By the Bog of Cats, Marina Carr’s haunting and critically acclaimed masterpiece, on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm at the town centre hotel.

Charlie Hughes, the show’s director and Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, expressed great pride in the milestone, stating he is “so proud that our five years in operation here in Killarney have been able to support and develop such talented local actors to stage this production”.
Set against the stark beauty of the Irish midlands, the compelling drama tells the unforgettable story of Hester Swane, a fiercely independent woman determined to hold on to her home, her daughter, and her place in the world. Rich in Irish folklore, dark humour, and unforgettable characters, Carr’s masterpiece explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the enduring pull of the past, offering an unflinching portrait of Irish society.
Maria O’Meara, Director of Rooms at Great Southern Killarney, welcomed the production, saying, “Welcoming such a gripping and powerful production into the hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity and culture. Creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of the Great Southern Killarney, and we are proud to host an evening that brings people together through the arts.”
Theatregoers can enjoy an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience. A special menu will be available at the five-star Great Southern Hotel’s Arbor Restaurant for €55 per person. Dining reservations can be secured in advance by calling 086 663 8000 or by emailing events@greatsouthernkillarney.com.
The play runs for two hours, including a brief intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Show tickets must be booked in advance online via Eventbrite at https://bythebogofcats.eventbrite.com

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