An Taisce welcomes the opportunity to make a submission on Ireland's first marine National Park — Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí and we very much welcome the establishment of this new national park.

According to National Parks, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí includes various islands off the coast of Co. Kerry, World Heritage site Sceilg Mhichíl, the Kerry Head Shoal, Inch Sand Dunes, the uplands of Mount Brandon and the Conor Pass.

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An Taisce's submission on the park can be downloaded by clicking here.

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The commitment to seeking the views of the public, although welcome, unfortunately falls short of what is required for meaningful engagement. The level of information provided to the public in the interests of eliciting their views is very limited. If future consultations are planned, we call on the NPWS to provide a far better baseline assessment, with maps and relevant information. 

To date, the management of Irish National Parks has been largely ineffective, allowing for the encroachment of non-native species such as rhododendron, and overgrazing by both domestic and non-domestic animals, among other pressures. These same issues could undoubtedly impact on this new national park, and will need to be addressed in a way which they have not been adequately in other national parks. We need a new, effective approach.