A farmer in Co. Kerry has said that consultation with farmers will be crucial to the success of Ireland’s newest national park.
Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí, which was officially launched yesterday (Monday, April 22), will cover over 70,000ac of land and sea in west Kerry.
Along with being the largest national park in the country, it is also Ireland’s first marine national park.
Both Minister of State with responsibility for nature Malcolm Noonan and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, who has responsibility for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) emphasised the collaborative nature of the project.
They also reassured farmers that their work will not change as a result of Ireland’s eighth national park being established.
National park
Tommy Reidy has around 40 organic Dexter cattle, along with a conventional sheep flock on the Corca Dhuibhne Peninsula in west Kerry.
His main farm is located in Castlegregory but he also operates a out farm of around 10ha beside the new national park.
This parcel of land was not intensively farmed in the past and some of it contained a Sitka Spruce plantation.
Reidy told Agriland that he believes the new national park could be a positive development for farmers in the region.
“I think from what we heard the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are very interested in working with the farmers, in consultation and through community groups to make sure everyone is aligned in terms of what we’re trying to achieve for the community,” he said.
“The State have obviously purchased this area of land now and they’re interested in making sure it is preserved from a biodiversity point of view, but that will also impact the farmers around.
“Everything will have to be done in consultation with the farming community.
“I think most farmers would be interested in engaging with the NPWS. They are quite good to work with,” he said.
The farmer was previously involved with a conservation scheme for endangered Natterjack toad operated by NPWS in west Kerry.
Reidy, who farms part-time, believes that Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí could provide opportunities particularly for young farmers in the region who diversify into agri-tourism.
Given the importance of tourism to the local economy, the farmer said that it is important to consider how both sectors can be combined.
“The reality is with a lot of farming systems is one farm on its own can’t support a family very often. That’s not the case in every situation, but it is the case predominately in smaller farms.
“There has to be another way for farmers to continue especially for young people coming through and looking to take over farms from their parents.
“There has to be options for them and I think this will provide another option in terms of farm diversification, ” he said.
Reidy said that efforts are also underway to develop a co-op on the peninsula which would allow farmers to sell their produce locally.
Consultation
The NPWS will now be developing a management plan for the new national park along with the existing seven park locations around the country.
The vice-president of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers’ Association (INHFA) has said that Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí offers great potential for west Kerry.
John Joe Fitzgerald, who is also a sheep farmer in the area, said that Minister Noonan assured him that any concerns farmers may have about the new park “will be taken on board”.
“I emphasised that we don’t want to see this area, which is steeped in our cultural heritage being nothing more than a gigantic car park for tourism.
“If they stick to the commitments given and that farmers and local communities are involved in developing the park, it will be a win-win for all in west Kerry,” he said.