Trouble as Kerry bids to retain ‘biosphere status’

A further push to secure an internationally-based biosphere status for Kerry, and Killarney in particular, continues to face objections from a conservation organisation.

Kerry County Council is pursuing water harvesting — especially in hotels — increased pedestrianisation, more cycling lanes and solar heating as part of a bid to hold onto its Unesco “biosphere reserve status” awarded in 1982 for Killarney National Park.

However, the Irish Wildlife Trust has dismissed the proposed moves as a “branding exercise” and “greenwashing” and may oppose Kerry’s application.