Conservation rangers are being recruited by the National Parks and Wildlife Service amid growing concern in Killarney about the country’s first National Park.

A scheme designed to compensate turf cutters who were relocated away from bogs designated as conservation areas could end up costing the State close to €60m.

Farmers waiting for a Hen Harriers Threat Response Plan to learn how conservation of the bird will affect their lands will not know their fate for some time yet.

Patients could now receive hospital check-ups at their local Post Office under radical plans being developed.