THE cross severed by vandals at the summit of Carrauntoohil is to be re-erected as soon as possible, it has been confirmed.
The MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Forum, made up of representatives of all the stakeholders involved in the area, has met to discuss the crux and it was decided that the cross would be repaired and re-erected as a matter of priority.
The group, facilitated by South Kerry Development Partnership, includes local landowners, community and business groups, National Park and Wildlife Service staff, Kerry County Council, Department of the Environment representatives, community groups, guides and climbers.
It is not known when exactly the cross was cut down but it was discovered by climbers on the peak early on Saturday morning. The matter is currently being investigated by gardaí in Killarney.
At the forum meeting in Killorglin, the group condemned the cutting of the cross describing it as “an act of sheer vandalism.”
Since news of the damage to the cross emerged, members of the forum have been inundated with offers to help re-instate the steel structure from both local, national and overseas people and companies.
“We will look at all options open with regard to undertaking the work and decide on the best course of action to achieve the safe and proper reinstatement of the cross,” said group spokesman Seán de Buitléar.
The group is to put in place a long-term management plan for the Reeks, enabling the mountain range to be sustainably used for recreation purposes by all while recognising that the land on the mountains is in private ownership.
