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A burnt sand dune at Banna after Sunday night’s fire. Photo: Cllr Deirdre Ferris’ Facebook Page
A LOCAL councillor has again called on the Council to take action at Banna beach after another fire in the area on Sunday night.
The fire resulted in approximately one acre of sand dunes being burned and Councillor Deirdre Ferris is calling on Kerry County Council to close all secondary car parks on a temporary basis.
Cllr Ferris said: “Sunday night’s fire started, once again, as the result of a camp fire at a party held in the dunes late on Sunday night. Kerry Fire and Rescue Service was once again called upon to get the fire under control in a bid to reduce the devastation.
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“All that is left behind on the scorched dune are empty alcohol bottles and cans, and the remains of protected wildlife that were tragically burned alive. This Special Area of Conservation and Special Protected Area has once again been targeted by individuals who have no respect for the importance of the area or the community who lives there.
“Kerry County Council has an obligation to ensure the area’s protection and conservation, and must act urgently to ensure that every possible step is taken to stop this anti-social behaviour.
“If we do not act now, it is only a matter of time before the area loses its status under the European Habitats Directive or its Blue Flag status, or more importantly, before someone gets seriously hurt,” said Cllr Ferris.
Well done Deirdre for highlighting this major issue in Banna. There are enough erosion problems out there without people burning very vulnerable sand dunes – leaving them exposed to further erosion. Keep up the good work!
Nial Shanahan is absolutely right to praise Councillor Deirdre Ferris on highlighting this major issue for our environment.
The sand dunes need to be reinforced in a natural way with more sand in the areas where dunes have been depleted to reverse the effects of erosion and replanted with Marram grass to stabilise them.
This is reversing the effects and turning back the clock on the damage. Hence, putting up a fight to make a real change to the situation.
This however, requires a commitment from the national or local government.
But, should be no problem as the Green party has just entered into government?
It should says a lot to any green voter, that it is Councillor Deirdre Ferris of Sinn Féin is raising this issue!