A new initiative, the Friends of the Reeks, has been announced by the Reeks Mountain Access Forum for the MacGillycuddy Reeks. The aim of the initiative is to help raise funds from those who use the mountain to enable essential maintenance works to be carried out on some of the key access paths.
Patricia Deane of the Reeks Mountain Access Forum said that the condition of the paths on the Reeks is deteriorating and the erosion is impacting on the protected habitats and species on the mountain. In addition, there is an impact because of this on water quality and agriculture as well as the issue providing to be a major concern with regard to public safety, Patricia added.
The Reeks Mountain Access Forum is currently undertaking a study of the key paths on the mountain to ascertain what work needs to be done on them that is part funded through the Interreg Rural Alliances project and it is hoped that the group will be in a position to secure some funding from the Government to undertake critical work on the main paths later in the year. “We will also need to have funding available ourselves in order to undertake this work Patricia pointed out and for this reason, we are launching the “Friends of the Reeks” initiative.
To become a member cost just €10 for individuals, €30 for guides and small businesses and €50 for larger businesses. Patricia pointed out that the “Friends” will then get a car sticker and the businesses will be able to use the logo on their brochures, other publicity material and on their websites. To become a “Friend” simply contact Patricia by e-mail at [email protected] or call her on 087 2031034.
The Reeks Mountain Access Forum is made up of representatives of all the stakeholders involved with the MacGillycuddy Reeks including local businesses, farmers and community representatives and is supported by South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd.
They have also recently launched an “honesty box” initiative in the main carparks going up to the reeks to again raise funds for the long term development and management of the reeks.
