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Dedicated fire helicopter for National Park

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By Sean Moriarty

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will have better access to fire-fighting helicopters in the future to help deter any potential fires.

This follows an investigation into the April 2021 fires that destroyed thousands of acres of scrubland and natural habitat in the National Park.

The three-day fire was eventually brought under control by five helicopters, three of which were operated by the Air Corps and two were privately owned.

One of the key findings of the investigation was the delay in getting the helicopters to the scene.

At a recent Kerry County Council meeting Killarney-based politician Patrick Connor Scarteen asked: “What extra measures have been put in place to protect our National Pak in Killarney from fire?”

A Kerry County Fire Service official told the meeting that it had introduced new initiatives including extra ground patrol, static and mobile surveillance equipment.

“Specialist thermal surveillance equipment has been provided to the NPWS rangers and staff along with the retention by NPWS of a ‘first call’ helicopter [with] air fire-fighting capability to fight any fires immediately on detection and the deployment of extensive aerial surveillance in the National Park this year with NPWS staff undertaking surveillance in helicopters and also surveillance by drones, on a regular and ongoing basis over the last months – especially at times of higher fire risk.”

Kerry County Council said its staff sought advice from rangers from the Glacier Mountain National Park in Montana, USA.

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Street Orienteering added to Wander Wild programme

By Sean Moriarty A new event has been added to the extensive Wander Wild Festival next weekend. Kerry Orienteers will run a family-friendly Urban Orienteering event as part of the […]

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By Sean Moriarty

A new event has been added to the extensive Wander Wild Festival next weekend.

Kerry Orienteers will run a family-friendly Urban Orienteering event as part of the festival on March 25.

Participants can start at the Killarney Plaza Hotel Basecamp anytime from 2-4pm on Saturday.

Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport which involves walking or running whilst navigating around a course using a detailed map and sometimes a compass. And the Wander Wild Street Orienteering will have courses suitable for all ages and abilities.

“The aim is to navigate in sequence between a set of control points and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace. If you need any help or tips members of Kerry Orienteering Club will be available to assist during the day,” said organiser Brendan O’Brien.

Two routes are available: ‘Wander’ – 2km (easy, wheelchair and buggy accessible) and Wild – 4km (moderate), and bookings can be made via: https://t.ly/jHm2R.

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Quiz helps to fund Easter pilgrimage

A popular annual table quiz, which raises funds to send Kerry children and young adults with special needs to Lourdes, will be held in Killarney next week. The Tim Moore […]

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A popular annual table quiz, which raises funds to send Kerry children and young adults with special needs to Lourdes, will be held in Killarney next week.

The Tim Moore Memorial Table Quiz will be held in the Gleneagle Hotel at 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 29.

The entry fee for tables of four is €40 and it is €20 for teams of four schoolchildren with great prizes up for grabs on the night.

All proceeds will go to the Irish Pilgrimage Trust which organises trips to Lourdes every Easter for children and young adults with additional needs.

They will be brought on the pilgrimage on Easter Sunday and all the volunteer helpers and medical staff that will accompany them will cover for their own travel costs.

The annual quiz, which is running for close on 30 years, is dedicated to the memory of the late Killarney accountant Tim Moore who was a tireless campaigner for the Irish Pilgrimage Trust. He passed away, suddenly, in 2002 and his friends have continued the quiz as a tribute to his legacy and to ensure the charity continues to be supported.

It hasn’t been held for the past two years due to the pandemic but all involved are thrilled that it is back for 2023.

Kieran Coffey, the retired principal of Fossa National School, is one of those who spearhead the Kerry pilgrimage to Lourdes and he has appealed to the public to support the very important fundraiser which helps offset some of the costs involved.

“We are delighted to be in a position to continue Tim’s great work and to dedicate the quiz to him. The event is always so well supported by the people of the greater Killarney area and we greatly appreciate that generosity,” said Kieran.

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