Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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308. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a deer cull will be undertaken in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7833/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Each year, as part of the on-going management of deer populations within the the Park in question deer numbers may need reduction. There is a significant challenge in attempting to balance the demands of agriculture, forestry and conservation with the need to ensure that deer populations occupying the same land resources are managed at sustainable levels, and in a responsible and ethical manner. Ultimately, however, where deer species are increasing in range and numbers, 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. The Deputy will be aware my Department’s regional NPWS staff have conducted several such culls in recent years.

On foot of a comprehensive survey and report in the winter of 2016 on the distribution, population density and population structure of red deer and sika deer in the National Park and a further census of areas of the Park conducted in Spring 2017, my Department commenced a cull of deer there last month. It is hoped to conclude the cull by the end of March. This work will be undertaken by qualified and competent National Parks and Wildlife Service personnel of my Department. The proposed cull is at a similar level to that which was undertaken in previous years.