Live the changes that you want to see happening

‘THERE is a delight in the hardy life of the open.’

‘There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy and its charm.’

‘The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets, which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not impaired in value.’

‘Conservation means development as much as it does protection.’ – Theodore Roosevelt IMPROVING and maintaining the quality of our environment – our water, air, biodiversity, how we manage waste, use sustainable energy, smarter travel etc underlies all future development in Kerry. A clean and properly cared for environment is a prerequisite for farming and food production, it is vital for all tourism development and most importantly it is what the residents of Kerry should expect and demand.

As this is my final column on Environmental Issues, I would like to thank those who do most to protect and care for the environment in Kerry. I have to start with the many teachers in Green Schools throughout the county who for the past 18 years have persevered with all aspects of environmental awareness - go raibh maith agaibh. They have educated thousands of children in good practices that hopefully will stay with them into adulthood. Thank you to all the students who undertook the work involved with great enthusiasm and achieved spectacular results. There are now Green Flags flying proudly in every parish in the County. A Green Flag is a visual reminder to all the community that the environment is worth caring for and that everyone must play a part – young and old.

Without the incessant work of Tidy Town groups in Kerry, the image of the county would be much the poorer. These are volunteers who give up their time year after year to improve the towns and villages in Kerry. They pick up litter, plant flowers and trees, paint derelict buildings, encourage recycling, harvest water, erect signage and highlight the best of their home place. Over the past few years Kerry has been one of the most successful counties in the national competition. This does not happen without a great deal of work and organisation. Well done to you all.

Over the past six years, one of the most impressive efforts to keep Kerry litter free has been the County Clean Up Day. This is a joint initiative between Kerry County Council and KWD Recycling, which this year attracted 5000 volunteers to participate in a clean up of their local area. This is an effort which was initiated in Kerry and copied by other counties. Long may it continue to be successful.

There are many hidden heroes in Kerry who are interested in protecting and improving their local environment. They work quietly in the background, organising, educating and improving where and how we live on the planet. In particular Transition Kerry has been to the fore in creating an awareness of the seriousness of Climate Change and the impact it will have on our lives. The simple message is that personal responsibility is the beginning and end of it. Live the changes you wish to see happen.

To my colleagues in the Local Authority, in particular those who worked with the Environmental Services Section over the years, and for the past year, in the Killarney Municipal District - thank you. Communities need the support and back up of the Local Authority to ensure that those who damage the environment are made answer for their actions. The vast majority of Kerry people support the enforcement of our environmental laws – so do not be afraid to prosecute when necessary.

Finally, a thank you to those who took the time to read the column and react to it in various ways – both positive and negative. I have received many letters and phone calls in praise and criticising things I have written in these pages. I appreciated the feedback. Go raibh maith agaibh.