News
“Fencing not an option” – Minister
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By Sean Moriarty
There are no plans to fence Killarney National Park for deer management purposes, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan has said.
Earlier this month, a deputation of concerned residents from the Ballydowney and Fossa areas highlighted their concerns to local representatives at a Killarney Municipal District meeting.
They were concerned on the number of accidents involving deer, including fatalities, and wanted local and national politicians to immediately act as they feared even more lives would be lost.
Last week, Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae raised their concerns in the Dáil - but Minister Madigan told him that a fence surrounding the National Park was not an option.
“Fencing is simply not a viable solution and would not achieve the desired results for a number of reasons,” she said. “Firstly, the presence of the species is not confined to the National Parks and consequently fencing of these properties would serve no practical purpose in terms of wild deer control or management. The erection of a fence this size could impact on the sensitive habitats within the park.
“Secondly, 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. Thirdly, some smaller animals are capable of going under fencing that is eight inches off the ground, while others are capable of knocking down fences.
“Finally, the erection of a fence this size could also impact on the sensitive habitats within the park.”
Minister Madigan added that her department manages an annual cull in the Park and that last year’s cull totalled 272 animals, an increase of 32 over the previous 2017-2018 cull. The 2019-2020 season is just underway.
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:
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