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National Park prepares to reintroduce Osprey to Ireland

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The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is ready to move forward with the reintroduction of the Osprey to Ireland this summer.The project will include Killarney National Park.

Osprey are a magnificent fish-eating bird of prey that became extinct in Ireland 150 years ago.

The NPWS has been researching and preparing for the potential reintroduction of these birds for a number of years and now expects to reach a significant milestone with the arrival of the first 12 Osprey chicks in July. The reintroduction programme aims to establish a viable, free-ranging Osprey population that eventually breeds in Ireland.

They have a long heritage in Ireland, with several place names around Ireland, particularly in Munster, referencing the bird. For example, Killarney National Park is home to a site known as Osprey Rock at Loch Léinn pointing to the bird’s history in Ireland, particularly close to rivers and lakes as it hunts for fish.

One of the project leaders is local NPWS Divisional Managers Eamonn Meskell, who also led and delivered the ongoing and highly successful White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme in Ireland.

The experience gained and knowledge acquired during the Eagle programme will be of great benefit to the Osprey Reintroduction Programme.

“In addition to the holding pens at the release sites, artificial eyries will also be constructed in the release area,” said Mr Meskell.
“The details of the construction of holding pens and artificial next sites, feeding and care of birds, their transport and release are based on extensive experience with other Osprey reintroduction programmes, and with the White Tailed Eagle reintroduction programmes in Ireland over nine years. Once the chicks arrive in Ireland we’ll be monitoring their progress and adapting their feeding regime to build towards their eventual release over the summer.”
While the programme may take some time for the species to begin breeding again, the reintroduction of this fish-eating apex predator will provide significant insights into the health of the Irish ecosystem, and its waters over time.

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Anseo bus service carries 20,000 passengers in first four months

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The TFI Anseo bus service in Killarney has carried more than 20,000 passengers in its first four months of operation, according to figures released by the National Transport Authority in partnership with TFI Local Link Kerry.


The demand responsive service, which launched on August 11, has seen steady growth, reflecting strong local take up and increasing demand for sustainable transport options in the town.

In the run up to Christmas, the service reached another milestone when 2,023 passengers used Anseo in a single week, the highest weekly total since its introduction and the first time weekly usage passed the 2,000 mark.


To meet growing demand, operating hours were extended in early October. The service now runs from 6.30am to 11pm, seven days a week, providing greater flexibility for commuters, shoppers and visitors.


Edmund Betagh, TFI Local Link Programme Manager at the NTA, said the figures showed the service was making a real difference in Killarney and highlighted the community’s support for accessible and reliable public transport.


Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, said the extended hours had further improved accessibility and given people an additional transport option for daily travel.


TFI Anseo operates as a smart, app based service within a designated Killarney zone and is funded through the Government’s Climate Action Fund under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

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‘Old Shed Door’ photo wins Camera Club’s Unrestricted Competition

Killarney Camera Club has announced the results for the Unrestricted Category of its monthly competition, which cantered on the theme of Texture. The winning photograph in the Unrestricted Category is […]

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Killarney Camera Club has announced the results for the Unrestricted Category of its monthly competition, which cantered on the theme of Texture.

The winning photograph in the Unrestricted Category is ‘The Old Shed Door’ by Ade Desbrow.
Mr Desbrow captured his winning image unexpectedly just before demolishing an old shed at the bottom of his garden.
He was drawn to the shed’s old timber door, where an antique bolt provided the ideal subject, covered in dust, cobwebs, and years of weathering.
Award-winning photographer Vivian Buckley delivered this month’s critique, praising the winning shot for its quality. Mr. Buckley noted that the final photo displayed incredible clarity, detail, and sharpness. He also highlighted the perfect lighting and reflection from an old mirror beneath the door, which captured “every grain of wood and every delicate thread of cobweb”.

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