Killarney National Park to get new bylaws to fine people starting fires and leaving dogs off leash

Nature and biodiversity minister Christopher O’Sullivan in Killarney National Park with the fire crew who tackled the recent wildfire and NWPS staff. Picture: Valerie O'Sullivan

New bylaws are to be introduced at Killarney National Park to help wildlife rangers to tackle those starting fires, as well as people leaving dogs off leash, according to biodiversity and nature minister Christopher O’Sullivan.

In recent weeks a fire broke out at the Five-Mile-Bridge area of the park, most likely started by a disposable barbecue. Some 2,000 hectares or one fifth of the park was also destroyed in April 2021. 

“We don’t have wildfires in Ireland — we have fires started by human action," the minister, who has responsibility for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), said on a visit to Kerry.

Currently, wildlife rangers, known as conservation officers, are limited in their powers when it comes to the action they can take. 

Mr O'Sullivan said of the fire at Five-Mile Bridge "clear signs saying 'no barbecues, no fires' were completely ignored". That kind of carelessness is as bad as the deliberate act of setting fires, he said.

The new legislation will allow for hefty on-the-spot fines by rangers.

“The only thing they can do at the moment when they come across a disposable barbecue is confiscate it," he said.

On-the-spot fines of €1,000 or more would have a different reaction.

“We are defining what a national park is,” the minister said of the new national parks bill which for the first time prioritises conservation.

Dogs being left off leads and interfering with nesting birds will also attract hefty fines.

The last management plan for the Killarney National Park was produced 25 years ago. Some of the issues identified in that plan — including quality of the lake water remain challenges.

However, much headway is being made with the invasive rhododendron ponticum. Mr O'Sullivan was shown around near Muckross Abbey woodland where the infestation has been tackled by the volunteer Meitheal group, as well as park staff.

Lake water quality is being taken "very seriously" Mr O’Sullivan also said, amid concern about the invasive yellow fringed water lily on the Lower Lake, a fall-off in native fish species, as well as poor water quality linked to the Killarney Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Mr O’Sullivan said a monitoring programme for the eradication of the fringed water lily was getting under way.