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.”