Latest news with #MahareesConservationAssociation
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Kerry coastal community stands proudly over precious dune system rescued from brink of obliteration
It's an inspiring exemplar of what can be done in the face of human activity, coastal erosion and climate change in general. The Maharees community-led collaboration which has paid sand dune dividends, has been supported by a host of state agencies, the local authority Kerry County Council, universities and NGOs. An aerial shot of the area known as Magherabeg Cut (right) has shown dramatic recovery of the dune which had been seriously degraded from unmanaged access from beach users and demonstrates how simple actions like not walking on sand dunes can make them more resilient to storm damage. Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald said: 'Kerry County Council collaborates with communities like Maharees to advance environmental conservation through initiatives such as dune restoration and sustainable tourism strategies. Supported by MD members, the Maharees Conservation Association successfully preserved and nurtured the sand dunes in Magherabeg, Maharees. Chair of Maharees Conservation Association CLG, Aidan O'Connor said: 'We are so proud of the dune recovery here that we wanted to thank all of our partners who worked with us to achieve it over the last nine years. Without support from Kerry County Council, NPWS, University of Galway, Munster Technological University, Clean Coasts and the Dingle Hub we would probably be a news story for all the wrong reasons as our main road would undoubtedly be at risk without these sand dunes.' William Hunt, District Conservation Officer, NPWS said: 'The Maharees Dune Restoration Project serves as a positive example of the significant benefits that can be achieved for both nature and local communities when operating within the regulations of Natura 2000 sites. 'Led by the Maharees Conservation Association, with support from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, community efforts have successfully increased the coverage of marram grass on previously bare patches of sand. This has resulted in enhanced dune stabilisation and improved biodiversity levels. 'This initiative is a win not only for nature and the delicate ecosystems supported by these dunes but also for the local communities in Tralee Bay, who depend on the dunes for protection against storm events.' Killian Kelly, Wildlife Biology lecturer at MTU said: 'MTU is delighted to be a long-term collaborator with Maharees Conservation Association, working alongside NPWS, Kerry County Council and the community of the Maharees and West Kerry. ADVERTISEMENT 'Public events, student research projects, and hands on habitat management, provide excellent opportunities teaching and learning for our Wildlife Biology programme, while at the same time contributing to and engaging with communities around the county.' Deirdre de Bhailís, General Manager, Dingle Hub said: 'At Dingle Hub, we're immensely proud to partner with the Maharees Conservation Association through our 'Neart na Machairí project. 'The vital work being done to regenerate these dune systems represents not just environmental protection but community resilience in action. Their success demonstrates how local knowledge, passion and collaboration can create meaningful solutions to the pressing challenges of coastal erosion and climate change.'
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘Kerry: Tides of Time' documentary to air on RTÉ One with Brendan Gleeson narrating
'Kerry: Tides of Time', narrated by acclaimed actor Brendan Gleeson, will be broadcast at 6:30pm on Sunday, April 27 and Sunday, May 4. This sweeping series offers a deep dive into the evolution of the Kerry landscape, tracing its story from ancient geological beginnings to the present day. It is brought to life by the voices of those who know Kerry best—local biologists, historians, ecologists, and archaeologists—whose connection to the land brings a personal and often moving dimension to the narrative. Set against a backdrop of some of Ireland's most iconic scenery—including the Skellig Islands, Carrauntoohil, and Killarney National Park—Kerry: Tides of Time promises a richly woven portrait of one of the country's most storied counties. The series was produced and directed by Katrina Costello and she spoke to The Kerryman in extra detail about what the show. 'Kerry is one of the most breath taking places in Ireland, with its wild beauty, rich biodiversity, and unique landscapes. It's fabulous. I love it, the wildness of people and place. The national parks are an amazing facility for Ireland, and have some stunning pockets of incredible Yew, Oak, Scots pine and mixed woodlands. I had a lot of assistance from Padraig O Sullivan and all the fantastic rangers in the National Park,' she said. "I learned while there, is that there is as such wildlife, outside of the national park as there is inside the park, perhaps even more and that these areas need to be valued and safeguarded. We spent hundreds of hours in the tiny fragments of Atlantic rainforests and the bogs, filming the richness of the flora and fauna within. A particular favourite of mine is the hen harriers, one of Ireland's most endangered birds. Their numbers continue to drop, mainly due to habitat loss from large-scale spruce plantations,' she continued. Katrina reserved special praise for the many people that are doing amazing conservation work behind the scenes. 'There is some fantastic work being done on an individual basis, by people like Tim and Barry O Donoghue, Eoghan Dalton, and an endless list of others who have dedicated their lives to nature and restoration,' she said. 'In Kerry, there are a growing number of amazing organic farmers, and exemplar community-led groups, like the various Meitheals, which aim to tackle the problem of invasive rhododendrons and the award winning Maharees Conservation Association, and Ballybunion Nature Group who are building community resilience and using nature-based solutions, to protect the sand dune habitats and Home Tree, a nature restoration charity, based in the west of Ireland working to establish and restore resilient habitats, focusing on native temperate rainforests. 'The list of people and organizations that are passionate about nature restoration is endless and these people bring hope for a better future,' she continued. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Episode one this coming Sunday takes a deep look at the history, geology, and people of Kerry. It starts on a remote, rocky shoreline where the first signs of vertebrate life on Earth can be found, then moves through the story of how humans have lived in and interacted with this landscape over thousands of years. It's a story of people trying to survive and make a home in a place shaped by forests, mountains, and valleys. The episode includes striking, cinematic recreations of key moments from the past. These scenes don't show things literally but suggest what life might have been like, helping to draw viewers into the world of our ancestors in a subtle but powerful way. Throughout, the audience will hear from leading experts who share their knowledge and personal insights, adding depth and context to the story being told. Episode two on May 4 meanwhile will follow a single year in Kerry's natural world, showing how the seasons change across different landscapes. It focuses on the lives of some of the area's most interesting animals, including badgers, red deer, hen harriers, and puffins. The filming is detailed and immersive, giving us a rare look into the daily lives of these creatures. Special cameras capture intimate moments with a badger clan, and rare access to the Skellig Islands lets us see the puffin breeding season up close. Beyond the animal stories, the episode also explores how local ecosystems work, and how changes in the modern world are affecting some of Kerry's more vulnerable wildlife. The trailer for the series can be found here:
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Irish Independent
Maharees community launches new visitor leaflet as part of Climate Action Project
The leaflet, designed by Mairead Kinsella, a frequent visitor to the Maharees and a key community partner in the project, is more than just an informational guide. It represents a creative response to the unique biodiversity of the region and its vulnerabilities to climate change. Mairead's work encourages visitors to consider their role in preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the places they enjoy. "It's been a joy and privilege to be a community partner on the Neart na Machairí project," she said during the launch. 'I've learned so much about Maharees — the people, the biodiversity, the heritage — and the broader climate challenges we face. For the first time, I feel empowered by knowledge rather than frightened of what the future holds. I was eager to share that learning through this leaflet, and I hope visitors like myself find it both useful and empowering.' The launch event reflected the spirit of the project — a lively and inclusive celebration that featured local food, creative children's activities, and open discussions on climate change, biodiversity, and regenerative tourism. It served as a reminder of the deep connections between communities and their environments, and the power of creative collaboration to inspire action. Aidan O'Connor, Chair of the Maharees Conservation Association, praised Mairead's contribution: "We are really heartened by what Mairead has done for our community. She listened to our story, learned about the challenges we face due to climate change, and created something that supports and uplifts us. The co-creation process she undertook with our team and the Neart na Machairí project was thoughtful and collaborative. We're incredibly proud of the final result and delighted to support the launch of the leaflet.' The leaflet launch is one of many initiatives under the Neart na Machairí project, a two-year collaborative effort exploring how the Maharees can adapt and thrive amid climate and biodiversity challenges. The project brings together local residents and three artists — Emer Fallon, Silke Michels, and Zoë Uí Fhaoláin Green — under the guidance of the Maharees Conservation Association and Project Designer Zoë Rush. Neart na Machairí is delivered in partnership with Maharees Heritage and Conservation and Dingle Hub, and is supported by the Creative Ireland Programme through its Creative Climate Action Fund II.
