Michael Healy Rae calls for major reduction in Kerry deer population

Kerry Teachta Dala Michael Healy Rae has called for the deer population to be reduced by at least 70 percent, Radio Kerry reported. The former Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture stated that the current culling of deer is not going far enough to manage the situation. [1]

Radio Kerry reported that the deer breeding season runs until November, which can lead to an increase in road traffic incidents. Deputy Healy Rae warned that official measures are failing to keep pace with what he described as an exploding deer population. [1]

Road safety concerns regarding wild deer in the county have prompted earlier warnings. As FTMQ News reported earlier, drivers in Kerry were urged to exercise extra caution during the annual deer rutting season, which typically runs from September to November. [4]

Local officials have also sought physical barriers to reduce collisions. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Councillor Brendan Cronin requested roadside fencing around Killarney, leading the National Parks and Wildlife Service to propose a 700 metre fence along the N72 road at Knockreer in Killarney National Park. [3]