OVER a year after a coroner raised concerns about the possible danger posed to motorists by deer wandering onto a main road in Killarney, the problem has still to be adequately tackled with concerns about roaming deer being raised as late as this morning.
The roadway from Ballydowney to Gortroe, bordering Killarney National Park, is known to be particularly hazardous and there is widespread belief that the animals have caused several accidents, some fatal, when drivers to swerve to avoid them.
The partner of a woman killed in a crash there in January 2014 called for measures to be taken to prevent deer wandering on to the road.
Mother-of-four Susan von der Geest (47) died instantly when the Ford Fiesta she was driving suddenly careered off the road and collided with a tree at Gortroe, Fossa.
One witness said he saw up to 15 deer on the road in the Fossa area shortly before the crash.
Ms von der Geest’s partner, Donal Moroney, pleaded with the authorities to mount a co-ordinated effort to sort the problem.
At an inquest into Ms von der Geest’s death coroner Terence Casey, gardaí and local public representatives shared Mr Moroney’s concerns and called for safety measures.
Mr Casey said there had been a secure high wall bordering the roadside but it was removed. He called for greater signage to warn motorists of the danger posed by deer from the open woodland.
Sika deer, in particular, have been identified as the primary reason for the fatal crashes on one of the country’s busiest tourist routes, according to Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae.
He has been critical of what he described as the lack of effort to create a safe environment for the deer without imposing on the safety and welfare of local communities.
With the rutting season now underway, several deer wandered onto the road at Gortroe again this Wednesday morning, forcing drivers to break suddenly and take evasive action.
Concerned residents of the Ballydowney are anxious to bring a deputation to Kerry County Council to discuss their concerns.
