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Wildfires set rhododendron control back by 40 years

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By Sean Moriarty

Last year’s wildfires in Killarney National Park have set back rhododendron control by 40 years.

Killarney Mountain Meitheal is preparing to tackle the regrowth of rhododendron in the National Park following last April’s devastating wild fires.

Over 300 hectares of natural habitat were damaged and the burnt scrubland is an ideal breeding ground for the highly evasive plant.

Meitheal volunteers will work to halt the re-growth in areas like Dinis Island, Old Weir Bridge and surrounding woodland. They hope to get crews in there by late April or early May to manage and eradicate the emerging regrowth in these areas.

As well as being highly invasive, rhododendron ponticum is also fire resistant as the roots of the plant remain intact after a fire and will quickly reproduce.

“Areas around Dinis Island and Old Weir Bridge were clear of rhododendron since the 1980s,” former Park Ranger and Meitheal volunteer, Peter O’Toole, told the Killarney Advertiser. “Fire creates the perfect environment for aggressive rhododendron re-growth."

Killarney Mountain Meitheal meet every Tuesday and Sunday morning to tackle various issues in the National Park. They work in close cooperation with Killarney National Park management and are supported by the Trustees of Muckross House.

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Rathmore’s Tearmann Lodge raises €1,200 for Kerry Hospice

The staff and residents at Tearmann Lodge in Rathmore recently came together to raise €1,200 for the Kerry Hospice Foundation . The facility, which is run by the Kerry Parents […]

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The staff and residents at Tearmann Lodge in Rathmore recently came together to raise €1,200 for the Kerry Hospice Foundation

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The facility, which is run by the Kerry Parents & Friends Association, hosted a successful bingo evening and raffle in late March of this year. This follows a similar fundraising event held at the centre in 2024.
Residents at the lodge were encouraged to participate in the evening, which proved to be a highly positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Tearmann Lodge Manager Gillian Kenny facilitated the fundraiser, while staff member Irene O’Donoghue acted as the main organiser, with assistance from colleague Karen McCarthy and other members of the team.
The residential facility provides accommodation for nine residents, alongside an extra bedroom used for respite care when needed.
“Kerry Hospice would be close to the hearts of many here, both residents and staff, whose loved ones have benefitted from the services provided by the charity. We are delighted to be in a position to give something back in return,” Irene O’Donoghue said.
Pat Doolan of the Killarney Branch of Kerry Hospice expressed his gratitude to everyone at the centre during the official cheque presentation.
“This was another lovely gesture by all concerned and I want to thank them for their generosity. I spent some pleasant time over a cuppa with residents and staff members in the comfortable surroundings at Tearmann Lodge on the day of the cheque presentation. Esther Kelleher, who is a resident at the centre, entertained us with a lovely song,” Pat Doolan said

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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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