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Park fire plan in place to prevent future devastation

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Plans have been put in place to avoid a repeat of the devastating fire that destroyed a large section of Killarney National Park in 2021, park bosses have confirmed.

The fire in April of that year wiped out 2,500 hectares over a three-day period and it destroyed habitat in what is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Delivering the keynote address at the Annual General Meeting of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, the regional manager of the NPWS southern division, Eamonn Meskell told delegates that an action plan has since been put in place.

A review of the damage caused in 2021 is ongoing to determine if the damaged habitat is capable of restoring itself and to ensure all the correct measures are being taken.

Mr Meskell said the NPWS has purchased vehicles fitted with water pumps and they are on site 12 months of the year.

A fire team has also been set up within the park and the staff will be fully trained and kitted out with a specialist UK company engaged to conduct the training.

A helicopter is on retention and, in the event of another fire, it will have Bambi buckets attached to drop on to the affected area.

“We are liaising with four international groups to see the best way to do it,” said Mr Meskell, who added that a fire plan with detailed maps and the required information has also been prepared.

"This is an attempt to address the matter and I think we have done it the right way.”

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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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