Iverk Show, Piltown
Heading to the Iverk show on Saturday? Pop into Kilkenny County Councils Environment tent as there is a diverse range of talks on the Local Authorities Water Programme, Public Participation Network, the Stop Food Waste Campaign and Greenside Up on gardening. The keynote speaker on the days is Hannah Hamilton, Irish Times Science Columnist. 3CEA will provide energy advice all day and to keep the kids entertained, there is a biodiversity activity corner. Find them on the day by spotting their two giant bee’s hovering by the tent.
River Barrow walk
An Taisce Kilkenny will host a walk along the River Barrow, from Graiguenamanagh to Clashganny, on Sunday 25th August @ 2.30pm to celebrate Water Heritage Day. The round trip is less than 10km and will take approx. 2½hours. Meet at the entrance to Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh. Please bring walking shoes and rain gear. For further details contact Mary Brennan on 087/6733518.
In the Shadow of the Mines talk
The Home Rule Club will host a talk titled ‘In the Shadow of the Mines’ on Wednesday 4th Sept @ 8.30pm in the Home Rule Club, John’s Quay, Kilkenny. Seamus Walsh, author of two books on the subject, will give a personal account of the last decades of the Deerpark Mines, Castlecomer to their closure in 1969. Admission €5 (tickets on the door). Refreshments served. All are welcome.
Seán Hogan’s rescue at Knocklong station talk
The Home Rule Club will host a talk titled ‘The rescue of Seán Hogan at the station of Knocklong – a sequel to Soloheadbeg’ on Wednesday 18th Sept @ 8.30pm in the Home Rule Club, John’s Quay, Kilkenny with speaker Jim Maher, historian and author of three historical books. Admission: €5 (tickets at the door). Refreshments served. All are welcome.
Crayfish plague outbreak on the River Nore
The National Parks & Wildlife Service have advised that the crayfish plague has been confirmed for the River Nore, Kilkenny City. Anyone engaged in working in the water area or who have contractors working on their behalf should continue to adhere to strict biosecurity practices. This crayfish plague could have an impact on our native crayfish and salmon in the River Nore. Further details at http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/projects/invasive-species/crayfish-plague/
Saving Swifts booklet publication
BirdWatch Ireland and Local Authority Heritage Officers have teamed up to help save our swifts. The publication, titled Saving Swifts. is designed as a guide for anyone who wants to take practical measures to help Swifts, at a small or large scale. Whether you are a home owner or business person hoping to provide a nest site at your property, this document is relevant to you. To find out more about Ireland’s swifts and what you can do to help them go to https://kilkennyheritage.ie/2019/08/saving-swifts/
National Parks & Wildlife Service need your help
A disease fatal to rabbits and hares, but of no risk to humans, has been confirmed in the wild in Ireland for the first time. The NPWS is asking the public, particularly landowners, farmers, vets and the hare coursing community, to report any suspected sightings of diseased rabbits and hares as soon as possible to help efforts to monitor and control the disease. The Irish hare is native to Ireland and found nowhere else and should this disease prove as infectious and lethal here as it has done elsewhere in Europe, the impact on the hare could be catastrophic. Further details at https://www.chg.gov.ie/deadly-disease-found-in-irish-hares-and-rabbits-public-asked-to-report-any-sightings-irish-coursing-club-licences-suspended-with-immediate-effect/