An investigation is underway into the cause of serious fires in Killarney National Park and surrounding areas over the weekend.
It’s estimated that up to a third of the Parks landmass has been damaged. Fire Brigade units from across the county have battled the blaze across the weekend.
An Irish Aer Corp helicopter is expected to return to the scene this morning to assist with water drops, and the NPWS has also contracted two private helicopters to assist.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien and the Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, will visit Killarney National Park later today.
The Ministers will meet with NPWS and Fire Service staff who have worked through the weekend to try to bring the fire under control.
Meanwhile, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has advised that due to the ongoing fires, all public access to Tomies Wood is now closed until further notice.
All members of the public are asked to please stay away from the area, from the woodland and walking trails and associated amenities, as their presence could hamper the ongoing emergency services personnel working on site.
