Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 229: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the magnitude of damage caused to passing cars by the increased deer population in Irish forests; if his attention has further been drawn to incidents where cars have been wrecked and where people have been injured when deer crossed the road from one State plantation to another; if the deer population is increasing; if there are culling procedures in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4306/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Wild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. There is an annual open season when deer can be legally shot under licence. The open season for deer operates from 1 September to 28 February depending on the species and gender of deer.

I am aware that deer species are increasing in range and numbers. My Department is undertaking a national deer survey in 2008, which should provide figures as to the overall deer population, and will also be working closely with Coillte this year to produce an up to date distribution map for all deer species throughout the country.

My Department carries out localised annual deer counts on lands such as National Parks. Where appropriate, and depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats, especially woodland, culls are carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences. Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of the landowner who may apply to my Department for a licence under the Wildlife Acts to cull deer when this is necessary outside the annual open seasons.

The Road Safety Authority maintains records on the number and circumstances of all road collisions reported by the Gardaí. While their database does not indicate the number of traffic accidents involving deer, the number involving animals (a category which includes cattle, horses, dogs, deer, badgers etc.) is recorded. Latest figures suggest that animals in general are not a major factor in road collisions with 2006 figures showing that animals were involved in less than 1% of all collisions leading to injury.

My Department is working with the Road Safety Authority to establish the extent to which deer are involved in road traffic accidents. I am also examining potential mechanisms for stream-lining the reporting procedure to facilitate the maintenance of annual statistics on this issue.