Nature conservationists have called for part-closure of one of the country's most famous tourist routes, the Ring of Kerry, in an effort to protect rare herds of red and Sika deer from possible foot-and-mouth infection.
One of the most scenic stretches of the Ring of Kerry between Killarney and Kenmare cuts through Killarney National Park and carries around two million visitors each year. The park is home to the country's largest single remaining herd of native red deer.
The Ordnance Survey Rally of the Lakes, the biggest event in the tourist calendar in Killarney, was called off at the weekend, mainly because it uses this "sensitive" route.
"The Rally of the Lakes is in a particularly sensitive situation in that many of its stages run through areas of unfenced mountains where thousands of sheep graze. In addition, there are herds of red deer and Sika deer which roam freely in the Killarney valley and would also be at risk of infection," the organisers said.
There is particular concern among wildlife interests about the fate of the native red deer, with a warning that "12,000 years of history would disappear" should foot-and-mouth reach the 700-strong herd. A nucleus of 100 native reds, owned by Duchas, live on Inishvickillane, the island owned by the former Taoiseach, Mr Charles J. Haughey.
But calls to close the road are likely to dismay tourism interests in Kerry, who are looking for an easing of restrictions. Their argument for the opening of tourist venues, such as Muckross House and Derrynane House, is based on the premise that this stretch of road remains open.
A statement from Killarney of the Welcomes said it made no sense to keep Muckross House closed so long as the road between Killarney and Kenmare remained open to traffic.
Mr Paddy Cronin of the Deer Society said closure should be considered. There was an alternative route to Kenmare, and closing the road now for a period of four to six weeks would not impact as heavily on the tourist season compared to a later stage, he said.
The Killarney Nature Conservation Group is expected to echo the call for the road's closure following a meeting last week. The group is seeking the immediate removal of up to 1,000 sheep from the mountains around the national park where they mingle with deer.
"Now that foot-and-mouth has reached the Republic it makes no sense to ease restrictions. We have to be more vigilant," a spokesman said. The group has written to the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ms de Valera, to say it is "appalled" that the Killarney Golf Club, bordering the national park, remains open to the public.
Killarney Golf Club says it is to review the situation tomorrow.