Jarveys banned from Killarney park in dung row

Jarveys who do not use "dung-catching devices" for their horses have been banned from Killarney National Park in Kerry.

In a statement this morning, the National Parks and Wildlife Service confirmed that it had taken action to refuse entry to those who do not use the nappy-like device.

It says the roadways in the park are consistently fouled with horse dung and this is a concern on environmental, health and safety, aesthetic and tourism grounds.

The issue has been the source of a long-running row in the tourist town.

Sixty-six horse-drawn jaunting cars currently operate in Killarney National Park and the jarveys have consistently refused to use the dung-catching device, claiming it is unsafe and dangerous.