merrion street

The Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht has continued to keep National Parks and Nature Reserves accessible as a physical and mental health space where local pedestrians can exercise, get some fresh air, experience and connect with nature whilst adhering to physical distancing protocols within 2km of their homes.

Unfortunately, a small minority of visitors to Killarney National Park are not adhering to the Government’s Covid-19 guidelines and are continuing to use the lake for recreational purposes. There has been full compliance by all of the commercial boat operators, the rowing clubs and the resident angling clubs in relation to the current restrictions, and they are to be commended for their assistance in restricting their movements at this particular time when most needed.

However, there have been a number of incidents over the last week where both An Garda Síochaná and National Parks and Wildlife Service staff have had to devote valuable time and resources to dealing with a small number of individuals who have failed to adhere to the current restrictions.

As a result of these isolated incidents, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, as owners of the Lakes of Killarney, would like to make it very clear that all access to the Lakes of Killarney, be it for boating, kayaking or fishing, is currently restricted. While acknowledging that fishing and boating are valuable pastimes, they are not an essential journey and do not fall under the category of brief physical exercise. Any further breaches will continue to be referred to An Garda Síochaná.

Please play your part in halting the spread of Covid-19 and stay at home.