News
Election delays deer management plan
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By Sean Moriarty
Plans for a Killarney Municipal District members to meet with the Minister of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to deer management in Killarney National Park has taken another step back following the announcement, this week, of the General Election.
Kerry County Council had written to Josepha Madigan, TD requesting that a deputation be sent to Dáil Eireann in an effort to solve ongoing deer management issues in the park.
Councillors are concerned that there is little or no action being taken regarding fencing and deer culling despite the constant threat to road users.
“Our message is not getting through,” said Cllr Maura Healy Rae. “We need a meeting with the minister.”
Before Christmas, Madigan, who clearly misunderstood the nature of the problem, said it would be impossible to fence the entire National Park.
“The park is over 10,000ha in size, including some rugged terrain. Fencing this area would be an enormous task that is unlikely to result in the desired objective,” she said at the time.
This lead to a furious reaction from Cllr Brendan Cronin who had previously led a deputation from the Fossa area to November’s Killarney Municipal District.
“They need a rethink, they are not listening,” he said at last week’s Killarney Council meeting. “We are talking about an area from the Cleeney Roundabout to the Golden Nugget [in Fossa].”
However, the election announcement this week will, most likely, lead to a new minister being appointed once the new Taoiseach decides their cabinet, pushing the issue further down the agenda.
They are also concerned that National Parks and Wildlife Services are not taking sufficient action in relation to deer management in the park.
“There were 272 deer culled last year,” said Cllr Donal Grady, “but how many were born?”
Concerns were also raised regarding the lack of suitable Lyme Disease warning signs in the park despite deer being known carriers of the disease.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
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