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Iconic bird of prey to fly centre stage in Killarney

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THE white-tailed sea eagle was once a conspicuous part of the Irish landscape, before it was driven to extinction in the early 20th century by human persecution.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the return of white-tailed eagles to Killarney National Park and the iconic bird of prey will fly centre stage this week.

The last in the very popular Autumn Talks series talks at Killarney House and Gardens takes place this Thursday night, November 9, and Dr Allan Mee, project manager of the White Tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme, will deliver the lecture.

The programme saw the reintroduction of 100 white-tailed eagles from Norway to Killarney National Park. A total of six white-tailed eagle chicks successfully fledged from five nests in three different counties in 2016, making this the most successful year to date in the long-term reintroduction programme for this iconic bird of prey in Ireland.

Over the past six years white-tailed sea eagles have dispersed throughout Ireland and beyond. Many eagles have been reported from Northern Ireland and at least six birds have travelled to Scotland. The programme was marred and threatened at times from poisoning and shooting of these beautiful birds in the early days.

In 2016 nine white-tailed eagle pairs held territory in Ireland across four counties: Kerry (six pairs), Galway (one), Clare (one) and Cork (one). Eight pairs laid eggs in Kerry (five), Cork (one), Clare (one) and Galway (one). Two breeding “pairs” in Kerry consisted of trios: a male and two females at one site on the Iveragh peninsula, and a female and two males at another site on the Beara peninsula. 13 Irish-bred White-tailed Eagle chicks have fledged to date: two in 2013, one in 2014, four in 2015 and six in 2016.

Dr Mee, project manager at Golden Eagle Trust, monitors the birds and has been tracking the release population since the project began 10 years ago.

Parking is advised at the Beech Road car park.

 


 
Above: A white-tailed sea eagle. Pic: Valerie O'Sullivan

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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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