AN IRISHMAN attempting to make a record-breaking climb of the highest mountain in Africa is to ask Taoiseach Enda Kenny to help him acquire the necessary permits.
Ian McKeever (41), former record-holder for completing the seven highest peaks in the world, had been planning to begin his climb of 5,895m Mount Kilimanjaro yesterday. He hopes to become the fastest man to make the climb.
However, local officials told the Wicklow man his route was not permissible under the national park regulations.
The route for Mr McKeever’s ascent was approved but he was told it is not possible to descend by the same route. The suggested alternate route would mean descending at a point three hours away by car from the starting point.
A further set of permits would then be required to re-enter the original area of the mountain.
“There’s a lot of bureaucracy,” Mr McKeever said. “I am going to ask Enda Kenny if he can help us get around the red tape here and see if we can get permission to go up and down the same route.”
A spokesman for the Taoiseach’s office said last night no request for assistance had yet been made.
Mr McKeever said the Taoiseach had previously expressed interest in expeditions he organised for Irish secondary school students to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mr Kenny himself climbed the mountain in 2003 to raise funds for three Mayo charities.
The next group of students planning to make the climb are from the Taoiseach’s home county of Mayo.
Mr McKeever is climbing with his guide and friend Samuel Kinsonga as part of their anti-racism campaign, “Black and White Makes Sense”.
The current record is five hours 38 minutes, set by Italian climber Bruno Brunod in 2001.