By Sean Moriarty

Newly married couples will need to employ a photographer with a special permit if they wish to take photos of their wedding day within the confines of Killarney National Park.

Mayor of Killarney Marie Moloney raised the issue at Wednesday’s Killarney Municipal District meeting.

She told the meeting that she had been approached by several couples who had been asked by Park Rangers to leave the Park as their photographer did not have the required permit.

The National Parks and Wild Service (NPWS) says that all professional photographers need to have the permit for insurance reasons.

“As has been the case for many years, photography by the general public and amateur wildlife photography is permitted in the Park,” an NPWS spokesperson told the Killarney Advertiser.

“All commercial events including professional photography, wedding promotional, fashion etc., is subject to a permit, which is readily and easily obtainable. The system simply requires the professional photographer to apply for a current permit. This has long been the standard practice and is necessary for insurance/indemnification purposes.”

Mayor Marie Moloney celebrated her wedding day 41 years ago with photographs in the Park.

“This is ridiculous,” Cllr Moloney said. “The Park belongs to the people – photographers are being asked to leave, but I can take all the photos I want on my phone.”