Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
328. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to aid the recovery of Killarney National Park following recent devastating fires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23251/21]
View answerThe cause of the fire in Killarney is still being investigated and the full impacts will take some time to ascertain. Staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are presently conducting work to assess the initial impacts of the fire. Staff are currently mapping the entire boundary of the fire and using satellite data to assess the area burnt. Conservation Rangers are undertaking internal mapping of the area burnt; conducting preliminary assessments of the impacts and severity of the fire on various habitats and vegetation types. NPWS Officials are also preparing specifications for a comprehensive, in-depth assessment of the long-term effects of the fire, and where restoration efforts can be concentrated.
We will also work to enhance the activity programme at the Park this year and we are advancing a significant number of capital projects too - all designed to enhance the visitor experience. I am grateful that through the speedy actions of NPWS and Fire Service staff, the vaunted ancient woodlands and other important habitats were saved from the fire. I want to commend all of the public services and volunteers involved in the gargantuan effort over the tumultuous days of the weekend before last.
My Department is committed to investing in the protection of our Natural Heritage estate. In addition to the considerable resources already made available as part of Budget 2021, I recently announced that the ranger recruitment process presently underway would be accelerated to facilitate the engagement of 60 additional Conservation Rangers around the country, to add to the resources available to deal with a range of functions, including wildlife crime. Many of these new recruits will be deployed to the southern region and to Killarney National Park. I've also asked that the NPWS locally to augment their local fire patrols by deploying the Killarney Meitheal group to carry out patrols too. This is a hugely valued volunteer corps and, like the huge response of Kerry people, wasn't found wanting either the weekend before last.
