Minister to meet with Kerry Deer Society – Coghlan

Speaking in the Seanad today, Leas Cathaoirleach, Senator Paul Coghlan, raised the issue of the indigenous Red deer and Japanese sika deer in County Kerry and called on the Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring, to meet with the Kerry Deer Society.

During a commencement debate on the matter, Senator Coghlan said “The Kerry Red deer occupy a unique position having descended from an ancient introduction, and they merit conservation.

“I have asked Minister Ring to have an early meeting with the Kerry Deer Society to discuss all of the issues involved in the management of both the Red and Sika deer. Minister Ring has agreed to meet them.

“I also raised the issue of deer culling with the Minister. It is important to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences. While I accept that the hunting of red deer in Kerry is totally prohibited, the Department may issue permits on a case by case basis in instances where they are causing serious damage to crops and forestry.

“I believe that any future culls should be largely confined to the imported Sika species. In the case of Red deer, culls should be largely confined to old and infirm animals. If their numbers grow to a level that might be regarded as excessive, we should consider relocating them to other national parks such as Glenveagh in  Donegal, Ballincroy in Mayo and Connemara in Galway.

“Where the deer are encroaching on roads, particularly in the vicinity of Killarney National Park along the Killarney – Killorglin road at Ballydowney and Gortroe, some increased fencing in selected spaces would be beneficial.”