DOCSLIB.ORG

A Comparative Study of How the National Park Services in the United States of America and the Republic of Ireland Approach Health and Safety

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Comparative Study of How the National Park Services in the United States of America and the Republic of Ireland Approach Health and Safety A Comparative Study of how the National Park Services in the United States of America and the Republic of Ireland Approach Health and Safety by Karen Sutton B.Sc. Submitted in part fulfilment of the HETAC requirements of the award of Master of Science in Environmental Health and Safety Management at Institute of Technology, Sligo September 2008 Supervised by: Guy Marsden Declaration I declare that I am the sole author of this thesis and that all the work presented is my own, unless otherwise referenced. I also declare that this work has not been submitted in whole or part, to any other university or college for any degree or qualification. Signed: Date a $ t rf f o j i ABSTRACT This project is a comparison study of how the United States of America and the Republic of Ireland park services manage health and safety in their National Parks. The project looks at the legislation of both countries, how the National Parks approach safety for both employees and visitors and how the two park service’s record incidents. By comparing the two countries approach to health and safety at National Parks it should be possible to discern if one country has a system that is working better than the other country’s. It then may be possible to use that country’s system as a template for the other country. By analyzing both systems it may be possible to identify issues in the current procedures in health and safety that need to be reassessed. Also, on an international scale the different park services may use this study to adapt their health and safety programme. It was found that the two countries approach health and safety in national parks was in a similar fashion and that the two park services had a system where there was national- level guidelines, duties and procedures set in place, but the main health and safety decisions were left up to the individual park managers. This approach leads to variations in how the different parks within the same country approached health and safety. In both countries safety issues are being reexamined at the park services and safety guidelines are being revised. This is mainly due to recent changes in safety legislation. Both of the countries national parks had a low percentage of injuries. However, both of the park services’ methods of recording visitor numbers and incidents mean that the data on injuries area not accurate. It is recommended that both countries’ park services improve their recording system so that they are informed as to where to focus their resources. Acknowledgements There are many people who without their support this project would not be completed. I would like to thank the following people and organizations. • My advisor Guy Marsden for has guidance and patience throughout the project • The National Park Service in particular Dr. Sara Newman who was extremely helpful. Also, Bob Smith and Katie Morris • The National Parks and Wildlife Service in particular Pat Warner and Ciara O’ Mahony who were both extremely helpful. Also Pat Foley, Seamus Hassett and Denis Strong • Irish Mountain Rescue Association: Paul Whiting, Ann Fitzpatrick, Liam O hAisibeil • Attracta Brownlee, Ray Scott and Wendy Freedman for proof reading the thesis • Mary Mcgrowan for all of her help throughout the year • Eamonn Price for his suggestions • Last but not least my family especially my parents for their ongoing support in all of my educational endeavours Table of Contents Declaration...........................................................................................................I Abstract.......................................................................................................................II Acknowledgements.................................................................................................. I ll Table of Contents......................................................................................................IV List of Figures...........................................................................................................VIII List of Abbreviations.............................................................................................. X Chapter One Introduction, Aims and Objectives........................................ 1 1.1 Introduction................................................................................................. 1 1.1.1 Background Information on the Six National Parks from the United States of America.............................................................................................2 1.1.2 Background Information on the Six National Parks from the Republic of Ireland............................................................................................8 1.2 Aims and Objectives.......................................................... 13 Chapter Two Literature Review ..........................................................................15 2.1 The United States of America.................................................................. 15 2.1.1 Background of the National Park Service.......................................... 15 2.1.2 Legislation............................................................................................... 19 2.1.3 The Department of the Interior Audit.................................................21 2.1.4 Pervious Studies Conducted.................................................................27 2.2 The Republic of Ireland..........................................................................30 2.2.1 Background of the National Parks and Wildlife Service................30 2.2.2 Legislation...............................................................................................34 2.3 Findings of Literature Review................................................................38 Chapter Three Methodology................................................................................ 39 3.1 The United States of America..................................................................39 3.2 The Republic of Ireland.............................................................................42 3.3 Limitations of Project and Methods........................................................44 IV Chapter Four Results............................................................................................. 46 4.1 Overall Safety Structure of National Parks, Roles and Respons ibilities........................................................... 47 4.1.1 The United States of America............................................................. 47 4.1.2 The Republic of Ireland........................................................................ 48 4.2 Employee Safety Management/Training................................................ 50 4.2.1 The United States of America.............................................................. 50 4.2.1 The Republic of Ireland........................................................................ 50 4.3 Visitor Safety.............................................................................................. 51 4.3.1 The United States of America .............................................. 51 4.3.1 The Republic of Ireland........................................................................ 52 4.4 Reporting, Recording and Investigating Incidents, Accidents and Near M isses..................................................... 53 4.4.1 The United States of America.............................................................. 53 4.4.2 The Republic of Ireland................................................................ 55 4.5 The Twelve Sampled Parks and Questionnaire Results...................... 55 4.4.1 The United States of America............................................................. 55 4.4.2 The Republic of Ireland.................................................. 58 4.4.3 Questionnaire Results.......................................................................... 59 Chapter Five Discussions.......................................................................................64 5.1 Comparison of the United States of America and the Republic of Ireland Health and Safety Legislation.................................................... 64 5.2 Overall Safety Structure of National Parks, Roles and Responsibilities.................................................................................................65 5.2.1 The United States of America.............................................................65 5.2.2 The Republic of Ireland.......................................................................68 5.2.3 Comparison of the United States of America and the Republic of Ireland....................................................................................................72 5.3 Employee Safety Management/Training...............................................74 5.3.1 The United States of Am erica. ......................................................74 5.3.2 The Republic of Ireland.......................................................................77 V 5.3.3 Comparison of the United States of America and the Republic of Ireland..................................................................................................... 79 5.4 Visitor Safety...............................................................................................80 5.4.1 The United States of America...............................................................80 5.4.2 The Republic of Ireland.........................................................................85
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Mountain Rescue Ireland the 12 Mountain Rescue Teams Mountain Rescue Ireland
    11/11/2014 Mountain Rescue Ireland Prior to 1965 organised mountain rescue was practically nonexistent in Ireland. If you required assistance, this was organised through local mountaineering clubs and local farmers. The Kerry Mountain Rescue Team and the An Oige Mountain Rescue Team were formed in 1966. For almost twenty years the An Oige Team was the only organised mountain rescue service in the Dublin and Mountain Rescue – Accident Procedures – Plan of Action Wicklow mountains. Because of the need for a quick response local rescue team in the Wicklow Mountains, the Red Cross Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team was formed in 1983. Around this time the An Oige Rescue Team disbanded and reformed as the Dublin / Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team in 1984. Since then both teams work very closely together to provide a very efficient search and rescue service for the Dublin / Wicklow mountains. The 12 Mountain Rescue Teams Mountain Rescue Ireland Donegal MRT Covering the mountains of County Donegal ie Slieve League, Bluestack Mountains, Each team has long-standing arrangements whereby it can be called out by a neighbouring team Errigal, Muckish, Derryveagh Mountains and the Inishowen Peninsula to assist them when required. North West MRT Covering the mountains of the north-west of Northern Ireland Some teams have more developed arrangements whereby call-outs in particular areas are dealt Mourne MRT Covering the Mourne Mountains with by the teams on a joint or allocated basis. This has developed in areas of high call-out rates Dublin & Wicklow MRT Covering the mountains of Counties Dublin and Wicklow such as the Dublin/Wicklow mountains which are close to areas of high population density.
    [Show full text]
  • Hiking the Mountains of Connemara & Mayo 2020
    Hiking Trip Grade: Blue 5 The Mountains of Connemara & Mayo View Trip Dates Book Now The Mountains of Connemara & Mayo From remote hilltops in Connemara to the summit of Ireland’s most famous pilgrimage mountain, your route follows in the footsteps of Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick. En route, we shall tackle three of the highest mountains in western Ireland while breathing in the some of the freshest air in Europe as we drink in stunning Atlantic views at every turn. Described by Oscar Wilde as ‘a savage beauty,’ the spectacular mountainous and boggy wilderness of Connemara is best experienced on foot. Over seven days, experience some of the best hiking in Ireland, learning of the archaeology, geology and natural history of this fascinating landscape. Highlights • Challenge yourself by summiting three of western Ireland’s highest peaks • Follow St Patrick’s footsteps along ancient pilgrimage routes that date to pre-Christian times • Explore the wildest and most sparsely-populated area of Ireland before retiring to some of Connemara’s relaxing accommodation Book With Confidence • We guarantee this trip will run as soon as 2 people have booked • Maximum of 8 places available per departure PLEASE NOTE – The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Ireland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors. Planned Itinerary Day 1 | Roundstone Village & Errisbeg Hill Day 2 | Hiking in the Twelve Ben Mountains Day 3 | The Pilgrimage of Mám Éan Belfast Day 4 | Mweelrea Mountain - Highest of Connacht Day 5 | The Magic of Killary Fjord Day 6 | The Holy Mountain of Croagh Patrick Day 7 | Westport Town & Departure Galway Dublin Arrival Info • Your Guide will meet you in Galway Ceannt Railway Station by the ticket machines • 12.00pm on Day 1 of your trip Shannon Departure Info • You will be returned to Westport Railway Station Cork • 1:00pm on the final day of your trip PLEASE NOTE – The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Ireland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors.
    [Show full text]
  • NPWS Regional Contacts
    National Parks & Wildlife Service LoCall 1890 383 000 90 King Street North Website www.npws.ie Smithfield Email [email protected] Dublin 7 D07 N7CV Contact Information National Parks and Nature Reserves Ballycroy National Park, [email protected] (098) 49 996 Lagduff More, Ballycroy, Westport, Co. Mayo Burren National Park, [email protected] (065) 682 7693 NEPS Building, St. Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare Connemara National Park, [email protected] (095) 41 054 Letterfrack, Co. Galway Coole Park Nature Reserve, [email protected] (091) 631 804 Gort, Co. Galway Glenveagh National Park, [email protected] (076) 100 2537 Church Hill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Killarney National Park, [email protected] (065) 663 1440 Muckross House, Killarney, Co. Kerry Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, [email protected] (076) 100 2660 North Slob, Wexford Wicklow Mountains National Park, [email protected] (0404) 45 425 Kilafin, Laragh, Co. Wicklow Last updated 11 May 2020 Page 1 Regional Offices Eastern Division Divisional Manager (076) 100 2654 Divisional Ecologist (076) 100 2622 North Eastern Region Areas covered Regional Manager (076) 100 2591 Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Louth, District Conservation Officer (Kildare, Laois, Offaly) (076) 100 2594 Meath, Offaly District Conservation Officer (Dublin, Louth, Meath) (076) 100 2593 South Eastern Region Areas covered Regional Office (076) 100 2667 Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Regional Manager (076) 100 2671 Wicklow (including Wicklow
    [Show full text]
  • Ireland! Ireland Folk Dancing, Culture, Art, History, Adventure ! Broadens One!
    Jim Gold International Folk Dance Tours Travel to Ireland! Ireland Folk Dancing, Culture, Art, History, Adventure ! broadens one! August 5-17, 2023 Led by Lee Friedman i Galway, Connemara, Aran islands, Dingle, Killarney, Kerry, Cork, Blarney, Dublin. i Kiss the Blarney stone in Blarney Castle. i Meet and dance with Irish folk dance groups. i Traditional Irish music and dance. i International folk dancing. i See picturesque villages, medieval castles, remote cottages, wild and rugged beauty, valleys, mountains, lakes and cliffs. i Hear spoken Gaelic language in all its glory. i Traditional Irish nights, Trinity College, Book of Kells, legends and history, drive the ring of Kerry, Irish traditional music at Dolan’s pub, dance a jig, ride in horse drawn carriage, Ceili dancing, step-dancing, whiskey, whimsy, ancient forts, and more. i Price includes hotels, private bus, guide, sightseeing, all breakfasts, most dinners. i Folk dance and tour videos at: www.jimgold.com Itinerary Day 1: Saturday, August 5: Depart for Ireland on airlines of your choice. Day 2: Sunday, August 6: Limerick Walking tour of Limerick city. Pass the local rowing clubs as you cross the Sarsfield Bridge. See the Curragower falls on the river and the boardwalk takes the path up to the Treaty Stone. The Treaty of Limerick was signed on this stone and is it remains a symbol for the city to this day. Across the bridge from the Treaty Stone you will see King John’s 12th century castle built by King John of England, it stands as a testament to 800 years of history.
    [Show full text]
  • The Burren Region”
    Strasbourg, 21 December 2011 [de06e_12.doc] T-PVS/DE (2012) 6 CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF EUROPEAN WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HABITATS GROUP OF SPECIALISTS -EUROPEAN DIPLOMA OF PROTECTED AREAS 9-10 FEBRUARY 2012, STRASBOURG ROOM 14, PALAIS DE L’EUROPE ---ooOoo--- APPLICATION PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ARTS, HERITAGE AND THE GAELTACHT, IRELAND “THE BURREN REGION” Document prepared by the Directorate of Culture and Cultural and Natural Heritage This document will not be distributed at the meeting. Please bring this copy. Ce document ne sera plus distribué en réunion. Prière de vous munir de cet exemplaire Information form for new application for the European Diploma of Protected Areas Logo Council of Europe European Diploma European Diploma Information form for Candidate Sites This form is also available on diskette Site code (to be given by the Council of Europe) 1. Site identification 1.1. Site name The Burren Region 1.2. Country Ireland 1.3. Date of application 2 0 1 1 1 2 0 9 1.4. Site information 2 0 1 1 1 1 3 0 compilation date Y Y Y Y M M D D 1.5. Addresses: administrative authorities National authority Regional authority Local authority Name: Andy Bleasdale Name: Enda Mooney Name: Seamus Hassett Address: NPWS, Address: NPWS, Address: NPWS, Department of Arts, Heritage Department of Arts, Heritage Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Gaeltacht and the Gaeltacht No 7, Ely Place, Floor 3, NEPS Building, Francis St. Dublin 2 Plaza Office, Headford Rd. Ennis, Co. Clare Tel. + 353 – 1888-3217 Galway city Tel.
    [Show full text]
  • Data Centre Events 2011 P2 State of Biodiversity P4 Diatoms P6 Something Fishy P8 Biodiversity Beginners
    ISSN 2009-0900 Bulletin of the National Biodiversity Data Centre Issue 7 – Spring 2011 Data Centre events 2011 P2 State of biodiversity P4 Diatoms P6 Something fishy P8 Biodiversity beginners - Mammals P10 Biodiversity Tales P12 Book reviews P18 News from the centre P20 Biodiversity Connections Biodiversity Ireland Issue Issue 7 Spring 2011 Biodiversity Ireland is published by the National Biodiversity Editorial Data Centre. Enquiries should be sent to the editor, Eugenie Regan, [email protected] The huge knowledge base and enthusiasm of Irish ecologists strikes me every time I sit down to work on a new issue of Biodiversity Ireland. Each time I marvel at the energy and enthusiasm of my fellow naturalists. Some achieve incredible projects within their spare time – see the article on Irish diatoms by graphic designer and part-time diatom expert, Leszek Wolnik – and others work untiringly through the public service – see the ‘Something fishy...’ article by Willie Roche who works in Inland Fisheries Ireland. Two really interesting articles reflecting the value of pooling knowledge and resources. And also the important contribution we can all make whether through work or our spare time. We now have a large number of NGOs and volunteer groups The National Biodiversity Data Centre, working on nature conservation, including Bat Conservation Ireland, Beechfield House, WIT West Campus, MothsIreland, BirdWatch Ireland, Dragonfly Ireland, the Irish Whale Carriganore, Waterford. and Dolphin Group, Botanical Society of the British Isles – see the Tel: +353 (0)51 306240 Biodiversity Tales section. This is something we should be extremely Email: [email protected] proud of. We are fast becoming top in the world for our biodiversity Web: www.biodiversityireland.ie informatics and we are effectively pooling resources and sharing our knowledge to further the understanding of Ireland’s biodiversity Management Board (see the article on Ireland’s Biodiversity in 2010).
    [Show full text]
  • Ground-Dwelling Spider Diversity in Rare European Oak and Yew Woodlands and the Impact of Grazing
    Biodivers Conserv DOI 10.1007/s10531-014-0695-5 ORIGINAL PAPER Ground-dwelling spider diversity in rare European oak and yew woodlands and the impact of grazing Lauren Fuller • Miles Newman • Sandra Irwin • Tom Kelly • John O’Halloran Received: 29 May 2013 / Revised: 24 March 2014 / Accepted: 3 April 2014 Ó Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014 Abstract In Ireland only 2 % of the total land area is native woodland, which tends to be small and fragmented. Killarney National Park in south-west Ireland contains the most extensive semi-natural woodland in the country, and includes oak (Quercus petraea) and yew (Taxus baccata) woodlands which are internationally protected. Here, over-grazing by large populations of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and Asian sika deer (Cervus nippon) have lead to changes in overstory and understory vegetation species composition and structure. This study presents the first description of ground-dwelling spider fauna in the rare woodlands of Killarney National Park and asked (1) do these rare woodlands support rare or specialist species, (2) does deer grazing have an effect on spider abundance, richness and species composition in the park, (3) what management recommendations can be made for deer in the park? Active ground-dwelling spiders were sampled in the oak and yew woodlands of the park by pitfall trapping within deer-proof exclosures and adjacent grazed controls. Four spider species classified as vulnerable were collected from these woodlands: Agyneta subtilis occurred in the oak and yew woodlands but Saaristoa firma, Tapinocyba insecta and Walckenaeria dysderoides were collected only in the oak woodland. Killarney National Park may be important for five species, not typically found in plantation forests, which rely on nationally scarce habitats.
    [Show full text]
  • RE: Connemara National Park – Planning Ref 20/676 RFI Reply
    www.tobin.ie Fairgreen House Block 10-4, Market Square Fairgreen Road Blanchardstown Corporate Park Castlebar Galway Dublin Co Mayo H91 AXK8 D15 X98N F23 Y427 Tel: + 353 (0)91 565211 Tel: + 353 (0)1 8030401 Tel: +353 (0)94 9021401 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Our Ref: 10774 26th February 2021 Your Ref: 20/676 Galway County Council Planning Department, Galway County Council, Áras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway RE: Connemara National Park – Planning Ref 20/676 RFI Reply Dear Sir/Madam, Further to your Clarification for Request for Further Information Letter dated 27th of July 2020, we now respond to the queries raised in the clarification as follows: Item 1 – The proposed development is situated within The Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex SAC which is a European Site that forms part of the Natura 2000 network of sites of highest biodiversity importance for rare and threatened habitats and species across the European Union, afforded protected under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC, as amended by Directive 2009/147/EC) and the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997, as amended by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, and are also further protected under Policy NHB 1, Objective DS 6, Objective NHB 2, Objective NHB 3, Objective DS 6, Objective AFF 5 and DM Standard 40 of the Galway County Development Plan, 2015-2021. It is noted that Section 7.0 of the Natura Impact Statement received with this application sets out, inter alia, that in the absence of mitigation, the potential significant impacts on the Twelve Pins/Garraun Complex SAC and Illaunanoon SPA are; the potential reduction in water quality from the release of suspended solids and/or pollutants into the surface water system, the potential spread of invasive species, potential habitat loss or degradation, or potential disturbance or displacement effects.
    [Show full text]
  • An Bord Pleanála Inspector's Report
    An Bord Pleanála Inspector’s Report Development: Construct public (western) access road to Killarney National Park and construction of car-park, at Gortadirra and Tomies West townlands, Beaufort, Co. Kerry. Planning Application Planning Authority : Kerry County Council Planning Authority Register Ref. : 14/134 Applicant : National Parks & Wildlife Service Type of Application : Permission Planning Authority Decision : Grant permission Planning Appeal Appellant(s) : Kerry Association of An Taisce : Michael Horgan : Katherine Cremin & Others : Tony Lowes – Friends of the Irish Environment Type of Appeal : 3rd Parties v Grant Observer(s) : Nora Bartlett (Killarney Nature Conservation Group) Date of site inspection : 9th April 2015 Inspector: Michael Dillon PL 08.244505 An Bord Pleanála Page 1 of 38 1.0 Site Location and Description 1.1 The site, with an unspecified area, is linear, approximately 1.2km in length, located close to the western shore of Lough Leane, and on the northern slope of Tomies Mountain – all to the west of Killarney in Co. Kerry. The site rises gently from 33m OD at the new access, to 53m OD at the proposed car-park (currently a hard-core area used for National Park maintenance vehicles). There is a timber farm gate and a metal barrier controlling access to Tomies Wood – together with some discrete signage for the Killarney National Park. There is a derelict old stone house in the woods beside the car-park location. The southern section of the access road and the proposed car-park are located within the Killarney National Park – the larger northern portion being on private rough grazing land, much of which is overgrown with gorse or waterlogged.
    [Show full text]
  • Submission to the Public Consultation on Extension of the Western Rail Corridor
    Ballyglunin Railway Restoration Project Submission to the public consultation on extension of the Western Rail Corridor 17 July 2019 Ballyglunin Railway Restoration Project Ballyglunin, Tuam, Co. Galway. Charity Number: CHY 20265 Email: [email protected] Page 1 of 4 Ballyglunin Railway Restoration Project 1. Introduction Ballyglunin Railway Restoration Project welcomes the inclusion by the Government in the Capital Plan of Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor linking Galway and Mayo, and we acknowledge that the railway will play a vital role in: Providing transport for workers in Galway city, Enabling greater access to education facilities and healthcare facilities Encouraging tourists to explore the wider western region with its many untapped tourism resources, Benefiting commercial enterprise. Allowing the development of Ballyglunin station as a major heritage tourism attraction We are confident that the independent review of the potential of the railway in the context of the Atlantic Economic Corridor will confirm the major contribution that the railway can make in terms of regional connectivity, linking Galway city with its natural hinterland in line with the National Planning Framework. Linking Westport, Ballina, Castlebar, Claremorris and Tuam by rail to Galway will have an enormous impact allowing direct rail travel to and from Limerick and Cork offering tourists proper access to the west and north-west for the first time which would help to balance the spread of tourists over the region as opposed to a concentration in Galway city as exists at present. 2. Background The Ballyglunin Station is situated 12km south of Tuam, and 14km north of the Athenry on the Western Rail Corridor.
    [Show full text]
  • Discover Trail Walking an Introduction to Trail Walking Walking Guide Layout 1 11/05/2011 12:21 Page 2
    walking_guide_Layout 1 11/05/2011 12:21 Page 1 Discover Trail Walking An introduction to trail walking walking_guide_Layout 1 11/05/2011 12:21 Page 2 Recreational walking is one of the fastest growing, easiest and most enjoyable activities that anyone can do. 1 walking_guide_Layout 1 11/05/2011 12:21 Page 3 Introduction 3 Getting Started 5 Walking and Wildlife 7 Walking with the Family 11 Frequently Asked Questions 15 Trail Walk Options 19 Slí na Sláinte Walking Routes 20 Coillte Forest Trails 21 National Looped Walks 23 Inland Waterway Walking Routes 25 National Parks Trails 27 Long Distance Waymarked Trails 31 Greenways in Ireland 33 Northern Ireland Walking Trails 36 Finding Your Way 37 Walking Groups & Clubs 39 Leave No Trace 43 Contents Nordic Walking 45 Web Guide - Irishtrails.ie 48 National Trails Day 49 Developing Skills 50 National Trails Office 51 Useful Contacts & Links 53 The National Trails Office would like to thank the following for their contribution to this publication: Jean Boydell, Colin Stafford-Johnson, Una May, Joy Teo, Barry Dalby (East West Mapping), Helen Morrissey, Anna Gahan, Des Moore, Inga Bock, Tracey Gleeson, Olive Loughnane, Michael Doyle, John Mullen and Sean Collins. The following are acknowledged for contributing text and photographic images; Irish Heart Foundation, Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Cavan Sports Partnership, Countryside Access and Activity Network (NI), National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS), Coillte, Mark Flagler and John Keyes. The National Trails Office would also like to acknowledge the ongoing work of all agencies and organisations responsible for the development and upkeep of the waymarked trails around the country and the many landowners who have given permission for the trails to cross their land.
    [Show full text]
  • Rhododendron in the Macgillycuddy Reeks
    Rhododendron in the MacGillycuddy Reeks On a Spring day out in Killarney National Park or the Gap of Dunloe, you won’t have to look too hard to spot some Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) with its striking display of pink flowers. This ornamental plant, once prized for its beautiful flowers and usefulness as a hedge for creating shelter, was planted around Muckross in the 19th Century. Since then it has spread to, or been planted in, many other locations and is a common sight in many areas. It is a species which originated from the Mediterranean and has done exceedingly well in our Irish climate, particularly here in Kerry. Rhododendron is an excellent example of a non-native invasive species, which free from the factors that limit it in its native lands, has thrived at the expense of our own native habitats and species. The old oak woodlands for which Killarney is renowned are under serious threat from the invasion of this species, as are many of the peatland habitats such as the heath and bogs. Rhododendron can form dense thickets, blocking light, shading out native vegetation and preventing regeneration. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have been tackling the Rhododendron in Killarney National Park for many years. In parts of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, such as the Gap of Dunloe and the Black Valley, Rhododendron is also becoming well established. Local farmers regularly comment on the rate of spread over the last 10-15 years. Until recently, no action had been taken to address the spread of rhododendron in the MacGillycuddy Reeks, an area of both high scenic value and high nature conservation value.
    [Show full text]