STAFF AT THE country’s national parks are keeping a close watch on their holly trees in the run up to Christmas. The National Parks and Wildlife Service is encouraging anyone who spots people attempting to steal clumps of the festive plant to report the theft.

There’s been particular concern about the issue in Killarney National Park in recent years.

Kerry senator Ned O’Sullivan said in the Seanad that the plant was “usually the victim of wholesale vandalism” by people who…

“…enter our forested areas and national parks with slash hooks and destroy entire trees instead of just taking twigs.

Unfortunately, we will see fellas on street corners all around the country selling big chunks of holly and the plant will never grow again.

The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, which oversees the NPWS “would expect the public to continue to respect the fauna and flora of our National Parks and Nature Reserves,” a spokesperson said.

“These properties are designated conservation areas protected and managed by the State for the benefit and enjoyment of all.  

“Should any member of the public observe any such vandalism at a National Park or Nature Reserve they should contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service at nature.conservation@ahg.gov.ie or An Garda Síochána.”

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