Connect with us

News

Council confirm algae risk in National Park

Published

on

&

 

By Sean Moriarty

Dog owners are this week being advised by Kerry County Council to keep pets on a lead while walking them in the National Park as laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of a blue-green algae, which has the potential to form an algal scum.

This week Council staff carried out laboratory tests and in accordance with protocols for these situations, precautionary signage has been erected at locations along the shore of Lough Leane, and those who frequent the shoreline are being advised to exercise caution, as it can be harmful to small animals.

As a precaution, members of the public should ensure that dogs are kept on leads and not allowed to enter the water.

The announcement comes just a week after the Killarney Advertiser reported that at least one local dog had died after coming in contact with water in the National Park.

Local vet Danny O’Sullivan treated at least one local dog for suspected algae poisoning in the last week.

“Daily inspections of the shoreline will take place and further samples will be taken as required,” a Council spokesperson said.

Blue-green ‘algae’ is not actually an algae but is made from Cyanobacteria which feed on nutrients in water.

Cyanobacteria is harmful in other respects too as it can use up the oxygen in water and block sunlight that freshwater plants and animals need to survive . However, it is also a valuable food source for soil-based plants.

A previous outbreak three years ago led to the death of a number of dogs.

Outbreaks of blue-green algae occur now on an annual basis in Killarney, regardless of weather conditions, although muggy humid conditions seem to accelerate the occurrence.

This has been an ongoing issue in the National Park for the last 20 years or more with some sources blaming phosphates from fertilizers used by farmers finding its way into the eco system, while others say it is caused by detergents seeping in to the lakes.

 

 

 

 

Advertisement

News

Honking hounds go viral as video surpasses 20 million views

Published

on


A pair of impatient pets in Killarney have become the world’s most famous motorists this week after a video of their High Street antics surpassed 20 million views across social media platforms.


The footage, which captured one dog repeatedly honking the car horn while the other looked on like a concerned passenger, has charmed audiences from Kerry to Kentucky.
The clip was even picked up by CBS Evening News, which has 2.9 million followers on its Facebook page alone.
The global phenomenon was captured from two different angles by local residents. John Galvin, from Glenflesk, and Killarney-based Natalia Eismont both filmed the scene separately, unaware that their videography would soon be broadcast on major US television networks.
For Natalia the success of the video is about more than just a light-hearted moment.
She is a Ukrainian migrant living in Killarney and works as an advocate for her community.
“You write about serious things, and then you randomly film two dogs honking for their owner,” Natalia said. “Next thing you know, it’s going viral all over the world. Honestly, this might be the cutest thing I’ve ever posted. Sometimes we all just need something light and good.”

Continue Reading

News

X-Factor singer Ben Quinlan to launch new album in Newmarket

Published

on

By

Killarney singer and pianist Ben Quinlan is set to launch his latest Irish album with a special concert in Newmarket, County Cork, this August.

The former X Factor contestant and winner of Ireland’s Alternative Eurovision has titled the event “A Night to Remember.”

The concert will take place on Saturday, August 22, at An Cultúrlann, in his grandparents’ hometown.

Quinlan recently returned from a major international tour across the Netherlands with the Celtic Steps show.

His upcoming performance will feature a mix of traditional and modern Irish music, covering artists from Thomas Moore and the Wolfe Tones to Kingfishr.

The setlist will also include crooner classics from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Michael Bublé.

“I’m launching my new album in my grandparents’ hometown and I’m hoping it will be a successful night,” said Quinlan, who performs professionally on the grand piano.
Doors at An Cultúrlann open at 7pm with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets are priced at €20 and the night will serve as the official launch for his new CD.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport