Irish Examiner view: Eradicate voracious rhododendron

Rhododendrons sound a death knell for any other plant it encounters.

Our six national parks are treasures we hold in trust for future generations even if we can, during our own lifetime, wallow in the physical and spiritual comfort they offer. If they offer us physical and spiritual refuge they offer much more to this island’s ever-more threatened wildlife and flora. They offer, or at least they should offer, the secure biodiverse habitats native animals and plants need to thrive.

It is not coincidental that one of the last refuges of the native red deer is Killarney National Park. A vast, by Irish standards, area that supports good wildlife populations. It might support even more prolific populations if it was in a healthier condition — especially the water in its lakes.