Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this matter. The Minister recognises that the red deer of Killarney National Park and the surrounding area are of national conservational significance and that the subject of culling is emotive. There is a considerable challenge in attempting to balance the demands of agriculture, forestry and conservation with the need to ensure that the deer populations occupying the same land resources are managed at sustainable levels and in a responsible and ethical manner. The Department conducts localised annual deer counts on State lands, such as the Wicklow and Killarney national parks. Deer species are increasing in range and number. Where appropriate and depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats, especially woodland, culls need to be carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.

Regarding road accidents, I remain of the view that improved sight lines and signage for motorists are likely to be the most effective measures to assist them when driving through areas where deer populations can be expected.