Nature walks in Cronin’s Yard for Heritage Week

suitable footwear for rough terrain is also worn, no dogs please.

On August 19, they will venture to Gortbrack Organic Farm in Ballyseedy, Tralee. A tour of the various habitats that occur within the farm and the species they support will be provided.

“We will also discuss the relationship between farming and biodiversity, with

Are our rail crossings safe?

Residents in the Headford area have raised concerns after railway crossings malfunctioned over the weekend.

The level crossing in the Headford and in other areas in Cork and Kerry started flashing red to advise that a train was coming at midnight.

However the barrier did not drop to protect motorists.

Adding to the residents confusion the lights started flashing in the early hours of Saturday morning and continued to do so until around 5 am. There are no journeys scheduled for these hours.

Motorists were unsure if they should enter the level crossing, and risk getting struck by an oncoming train, or wait for the non-existent train to pass through.

One resident contacted Irish Rail.

In an email seen by the Killarney Advertis- er company official said there may have been an electrical fault on the line.

The email said: “ There was a serious electrical fault somewhere on the signalling network that affected not just Headford but level crossings all along the Kerry line and also on Cork suburban routes towards Midleton.

“That is the only information I have, and I can only apologise on behalf of Irish Rail for the inconvenience caused not just to you but across the network.” a particular focus on organic produce,” said organiser Brendan Kirwin. “”This award-winning farm is located just 8 km outside of Tralee town and hosts a diverse range of habitat types. The farm is home to a range of ecological and native Irish habitats including ponds, bog woodland, reed bed systems, and native hedgerows. This is a great opportunity to visit the farm and to expand your knowledge about our native habitats and species, and their interactions with farming practices.”

Locals say it took five hours for an Irish Rail engineer to visit the site and correct the problem. The red lights were flashing for most of the night.

However, it begs the question, are our rail crossings safe?

Almost 300 people die at level crossings across Europe every year. Level crossing accidents account for 1pc of road deaths in Europe but 31pc of all railway fatalities.

The Kerry UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Kerry County Council through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. All events are free and places can be booked on the Kerry Biosphere Eventbrite page.