Mountains of help on offer to re-erect vandalised cross
There’s been widespread condemnation of the cutting down of the Christian monument on Carrantuohill. The incident is being investigated by gardaí and locals in Kerry remain still mystified as to the vandals’ motivation.
Speculation continues that it may have been the work of anti-religion elements, or environmental extremists who do not want any symbols on mountains.
Kerry County Council yesterday confirmed planning permission would not be required to reinstate the cross.
The MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Forum, made up of representatives of groups in the Beaufort area of Co Kerry, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the county council, the Department of the Environment, and South Kerry Development Partnership, has confirmed the cross will be re-erected.
The forum condemned the incident, describing it as “sheer vandalism”.
The forum’s Patricia Deane said it would take some time to work out what needed to be done, but it would be done as soon as possible.
The cross was made by workers at the Liebherr crane factory in nearby Killarney, in 1977, and placed on the mountain by locals.
Liebherr and other engineering firms have again offered to assist with the restoration.
Hillwalkers are on Carrantuohill year-round and gardaí believe somebody may have seen people acting suspiciously late last week, especially on Thursday or Friday.
