Kerry County Council has admitted works it was carrying out in closing a cell, or rubbish hole, at a large landfill site north of Tralee is responsible for a huge and sudden increase in the fly population in the area of Stacks Mountains, but it is denying it is responsible for the plague of flies in Tralee, 18kms from the landfill.
Flies simply would not fly such a distance, a council spokesman said yesterday, amid complaints from food businesses in Tralee.
Tralee councillor Cathal Foley said businesses were unable to contain the assault by the flies and had lost a considerable amount of money as a result of having to throw out food.
He is seeking a detailed report from the council on the fly infestation caused by the works at the landfill site.
