The devastating fire in Killarney National Park has been condemned by Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan, who said is not a natural disaster - it is caused by human activity.

The Minister said that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has been battling fires for days with some of these incidents believed to have been started by the reckless use of disposable barbecues.

He described the lighting of fires or use of disposable barbecues in a national park or any wild area as gross irresponsibility, especially during a heatwave.

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“It is a crime against nature, against local communities and against future generations who have the right to inherit these precious landscapes intact,” he said.

It’s a simple message, leave these places as you found them or better, he urged.

“As Minister for Nature, I take a zero-tolerance attitude towards lighting fires in our national parks and wild places. The damage to biodiversity, wildlife, livelihoods and public safety can be - and too often is - catastrophic.”

“My heartfelt thanks go to the NPWS staff, firefighters and emergency services who have worked tirelessly, often in extremely difficult conditions, to contain this fire and protect one of Ireland’s greatest natural assets.”