Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
679. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a proper science-based and holistic ecological restoration programme, based on IUCN guidelines, would be implemented in the park by the National Parks and Wildlife Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14915/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s National Parks are managed as Category II National Parks under the criteria set out by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). A Category II National Park is defined as a large natural or near-natural area protecting large-scale ecological processes with characteristic species and ecosystems, which also have to have environmentally and culturally compatible spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational and visitor opportunities. All National Parks in Ireland are fully owned and managed by the State through the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), a Division of my Department. It is the policy of my Department to abide by the criteria and standards for the National Parks laid down by the IUCN.
Management of Killarney National Park (KNP) takes account of the restoration guidelines of the IUCN in its holistic approach to managing the Park.
Specific examples demonstrating adherence to the concepts and principles of these guidelines are as follows:
Yew Wood:
In 2021 KNP developed a set of actions for the Yew wood at Reenadina on the Muckross peninsula. It involved the creation of small exclosures in light gaps to exclude grazers. KNP also plans to eradicate the damaging invasive Beech trees by ring barking, which will also create light gaps. It is expected that these light gaps will allow for regeneration and in particular the growth of Yew trees.
Within the guidelines, KNP have followed best practice such as
1. Identify major factors causing degradation: KNP engaged with the scientific unit and woodland ecologist, with the threats identified
2. Clear Time lines: funding was sourced by KNP from the Conservation Measures Unit within the NPWS with specific actions to be achieved.
3. Use monitoring results and other feedback in adaptive management: KNP planned to carry out the work with their own resources and a plan was developed to get this executed, baseline data was taken for each plot and site inspections were carried out to see progress.
Woodland restoration:
Killarney National Park has the largest extend of old oak woodland in the country. Over the years exclosures were built around some of these. These have been damaged over time and last year the Park set about repairing these and building new exclosures. In addition KNP collected 30,000 acorns and propagated them in our own facility. These trees have been planted in various areas to assist woodland restoration and along river corridors.
Additionally, KNP carried out a comprehensive study of the woodlands in the Park. This study established a conservation score and a threat score. These will help determine actions to be enable suitable restoration works.
The survey allows KNP to identify major factors causing degradation and develop priorities. In addition, KNP has the commenced monitoring rhododendron in these woodlands and outside. These results along with other feedback will help inform an adaptive management model within the Park.
Utilising the IUCN guidelines has also allowed KNP to pick the best practices that were most suitable to the conservation aims of the Park. This has materialised into projects that demonstrate a contribution to societal goals, such as working with the award winning Killarney “coffee cup” project.
Staff at Killarney National Park follow the IUCN guidelines in their approach to the management of the Park and will continue to do so moving forward.
