State body: National Park at risk over illegal dumping

People who dump illegally are increasing the risk of spreading invasive plant species to one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, it has been warned.

Killarney National Park has seen increased levels of dumping in recent years, including large amounts of domestic rubbish, used nappies, cans, bottles and even discarded household furniture.

But there’s also concern about the dumping of garden waste in the 26,000- acre park — which encompasses the famous lakes as well as large areas of woodland and mountain.

The park is already trying to root out rhododendron, a pest which is the focus of an ongoing eradication programme started more than 30 years ago.

Pat Dawson, regional manager, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), yesterday said the dumping of garden waste and hedge trimmings was of particular concern because of the potential to introduce non-native species: “Our appeal is that people should be more responsible. As well as impacting on the natural landscape, they could also be doing damage to the environment.”

Kerry County Council uses surveillance cameras and the NPWS has been in contact with the council and litter wardens with a view to introducing cameras to the park.

There has been a marked rise in the dumping of household rubbish in the Kenmare Road and Torc areas of the park where there is also evidence of repeated dumping, Mr Dawson said.

“Much of the stuff that’s being dumped could be recycled at no cost to the people involved,” he said.

Kerry County Council confirmed it will continue using mobile night vision cameras in problem areas.

Along with the National Park, other scenic areas of the county are also being blighted.

County manager Tom Curran asked people to be conscious of the importance of the tourism industry to the local economy. The public has also been asked to police their own areas in regard to illegal dumping and to report offenders and vehicle registration numbers to the gardaí and the council.

However, a council spokesman said identification of offenders still remained a major issue, adding the assistance of communities was vital to tackling the problem.