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Park fire plan in place to prevent future devastation

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Plans have been put in place to avoid a repeat of the devastating fire that destroyed a large section of Killarney National Park in 2021, park bosses have confirmed.

The fire in April of that year wiped out 2,500 hectares over a three-day period and it destroyed habitat in what is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Delivering the keynote address at the Annual General Meeting of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, the regional manager of the NPWS southern division, Eamonn Meskell told delegates that an action plan has since been put in place.

A review of the damage caused in 2021 is ongoing to determine if the damaged habitat is capable of restoring itself and to ensure all the correct measures are being taken.

Mr Meskell said the NPWS has purchased vehicles fitted with water pumps and they are on site 12 months of the year.

A fire team has also been set up within the park and the staff will be fully trained and kitted out with a specialist UK company engaged to conduct the training.

A helicopter is on retention and, in the event of another fire, it will have Bambi buckets attached to drop on to the affected area.

“We are liaising with four international groups to see the best way to do it,” said Mr Meskell, who added that a fire plan with detailed maps and the required information has also been prepared.

"This is an attempt to address the matter and I think we have done it the right way.”

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World Rally Champion Phil Mills’ Killarney visit

Former World co-driving champion Phil Mills will be one of the guests of honour at a special Killarney and District Motor Club event next month. The club is celebrating Prodrive’s […]

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Former World co-driving champion Phil Mills will be one of the guests of honour at a special Killarney and District Motor Club event next month.

The club is celebrating Prodrive’s association with the Rally of the Lakes on October 14.

The legendary British motorsport preparation firm was responsible for building some of the most iconic associated with the local rally.

The celebration, which will raise funds for the Jack and Jill Foundation, will be hosted by the voice of Irish motorsport Alan ‘Plum’ Tyndall.

Welshman Mills, who won the 2003 World Rally Championship, alongside Petter Solberg has confirmed his attendance at the Killarney Racecourse-based event.

He is just one of many superstars attending the showcase.
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“Accompanying the stars will be a collection of iconic Prodrive machinery, ranging from the BMW E30 M3, all the way through to the Subaru Group A and World Rally Cars the 1990s and early 2000s,” said Killarney and District Motor Club vice chairman and organiser Mike Shea.

“All proceeds of this event will go directly to the Jack & Jill foundation helping provide support and special care to children across the country and is a once in a lifetime event.”

This event is in association with: Lyons of Limerick; C.Wharton Tool Hire Ltd; BG Motors Ltd; Castleisland Tyre Centre; Aherns Motor Group; Reen’s Rathmore Peugeot; KC Print and Moriarty’s Central Car Sales

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National Park Autumn talks series 2023

The National Parks and Wildlife Service will run a series of talks on Thursday nights in October and November. Beginning on October 5 until November 16 the six-meeting programme will […]

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The National Parks and Wildlife Service will run a series of talks on Thursday nights in October and November.

Beginning on October 5 until November 16 the six-meeting programme will cover everything for the nature within the national park to the history of Killarney and its surrounding areas.

The opening lecture, by the NPWS’s Eamon Meskell will tell the story of the White-Tailed eagle in Killarney.

The following week, local historian, Owen O’Shea will deliver a speech on the Civil War in Kerry.

The final October talk is scheduled for October and its topic is the fungi growing in the park.

The lectures resume in November, on November 2, John Breen will talk about the various ant species in the park, the following week will feature a talk on the McShain family’s contribution to the town.

The final meeting, on November 16 covers the Blasket Islands, past present and future.

All events take place at Killarney House at 8pm – free admission but limited seating.

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