Community Protest Walk into Fenit Island
On New Year’s Day a large number of Fenit residents gathered together in what was a virtually spontaneous protest at being denied access to Fenit Island. The event had not been advertised – news had spread by word of mouth and all who learned of it were eager to lend their support. Consequently the villagers were joined by many supporters from around Kerry and beyond resulting in excess of 200 people attending.
The protest took the form of a walk from the centre of the village along Fenit Island Strand onto the public road into the Island. It was entirely fitting that many of those who gathered to peacefully express their feelings were parents with young children. For it is this next generation of local people, who are most affected by the denial of access to the unspoiled tranquillity of this wonderful place.
For generations, local people & visitors to the area, have walked around the Island without being impeded. People of all ages, young & old, would enjoy the solitude of the walk & the many plants & creatures which they would encounter along the way. They would also visit Fenit Island Castle on the route which is located on the North East side of the Island & is a well known landmark in the area. The castle dates back to the 16th century & was used to defend the entrance to Barrow Harbour. However, all of this is no longer possible.
If one now attempts to walk around the island, one will find their progress prevented by high security steel fences. Not alone does this fencing run parallel with the shoreline, but in places also runs perpendicular to the shoreline preventing one from walking the route which has been enjoyed by many since time began. So much so, that in a recent search & rescue operation around the coast of the island, personnel searching the shoreline on foot were hampered by these fences. The fences; erected by some local landowners, have caused bitter resentment within the local community & have discouraged previously welcomed visitors coming to the area.
As the villagers gathered at the high steel barriers and electric fences that prevented further progress around the Island, people wondered as to the motives for the erection of the fences. As they quietly made their way back to the village there was a palpable feeling of sadness that - for no apparent reason - a precious part of the heritage of the entire community was now being denied to them.
This Sunday, 13th Feb there is another walk planned, meeting at the village shop at 1pm and it is expected the have a very large turnout.