Walkers urged to help MacGillycuddy Reeks upkeep
An estimated 100,000 people go hillwalking in the MacGillycuddy Reeks in Kerry every year. The range includes Carrauntoohil, Irelandâs highest mountain.
Some of the paths and trails are showing signs of erosion and, to help pay for repair works, Friends of the Reeks has been set up by the Reeks Mountain Access Forum, a group of several interests involved locally.
âWe need to raise funds for essential work that needs to be carried out on some key access paths,â said Patricia Deane of the forum.
Conditions were deteriorating and there were impacts on protected habitats and wildlife. There were concerns about effects on water quality and issues regarding public safety, she said.
Work is under way to establish exactly what needs to be done. It is hoped that any upgrades can be part-funded under the Interreg Rural Alliances project and through government funding.
The forum itself must also raise funds and this is where users of the mountains could assist, Ms Deane said.
Individuals are asked to contribute âŹ10, guides and small businesses âŹ30, and larger businesses âŹ50. An âhonesty boxâ is operating in some of the car parks, and people can make voluntary contributions towards the long-term development and management of the Reeks.
