PROPOSAL: Add an objective: “Ensure the protection of the biodiversity and tourism-value of Killarney National Park by proactively engaging with all stakeholders to tackle the critical problem of the expanding Rhododendron infestation, by promoting awareness of the importance of not starting fires anywhere within or near the National Park, by proactively investigating and acting upon any cases of illegal fires including gorse fires, and undertaking all necessary measures to ensure the thriving of one the last remaining temperate rainforests in Ireland.”
RATIONALE: As stated above, Killarney Nation Park is one of the last remaining temperate rainforests in Europe, and its significance and value is clear from its designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, as well as being part of both a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protected Area. It is also a key attraction for tourists to Killarney. In recent years, rapidly expanding rhododendron infestations and a devastating fire have significantly degraded the value of certain areas of the park, and it is critical that work is done to undo this damage and to prevent such damage occurring in the future. While KA 4 refers to the National Park and conservation objectives, this statement is not nearly strong enough if one considers the importance of the National Park both for Killarney. There should be an explicit objective to conserve and enhance the biodiversity and temperate rainforest ecosystem of the park.
PROPOSAL: Add an objective: “Advocate for the return of the Annals of Innisfallen to Ireland, preferably to Killarney or a least Kerry, to provide an additional tourism attraction to the town, to enhance the experience of those seeing the Annals, and to highlight the historical and cultural significance of Innisfallen Abbey.”
RATIONALE: Monasteries thrived in Ireland during the Early Middle Ages, and they played a critical role in the preservation of pre-Medieval Hellenic, Latinate and European history and culture. The Annals of Inisfallen is an incredibly significant text that chronicles the medieval history of Ireland. It has resided in the Bodleian Library in Oxford for some time, and it is long past time when it was returned to Killarney, where alone it can be appreciated as an indigenous cultural and historical text. Its presence in Killarney would present an additional tourist attraction, complimenting the existing scenic attractiveness of the town.