Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2020
80. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the National Parks and Wildlife Services provides information on the dangers of lyme disease to staff (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32148/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of Lyme disease is not one confined or specific to the National Parks. Ticks, are widespread throughout the countryside and in areas of rough vegetation and forestry. They are not at all confined to National Parks, Nature Reserves or State lands. Ticks can be found on a variety of domesticated and wild animals including sheep, goats, horses, cattle, dogs, deer, rodents and various wild mammal species.
Information on Lyme Disease is available from the HSE and, their booklet: http://www.hpsc.ie/a-/vectorborne/lymedisease/informationforthepublic/Lyme%20DL%20April2017%20-%20D2.pdf contains useful information in this regard. Last year, as part of the HSE’s National Lyme Awareness Day the Department circulated links to HSE information on Lyme disease to all Departmental staff.
With regard to Killarney National Park specifically, information on ticks for anyone intending to visit the Park is contained in the health and safety section of the dedicated website http://www.killarneynationalpark.ie/visit/health-safety
