The wildfires that devastated acres of Killarney National Park in 2021 has resulted in deer being dispersed away from their former home to practically every parish in Kerry where they are causing serious problems, it has been claimed.
Cllr Michael Cahill said it has resulted in the animals wandering on roads throughout the county, causing accidents and forcing drivers to swerve to avoid hitting them.
“These animals by nature are skittish and you cannot judge in which direction they will run. Every day I am hearing about deer jumping out on to the roads all around South Kerry,” Cllr Cahill said.
He added that he is hearing reports of accidents and near misses on almost a daily basis and there will be more major accidents and sadly, fatalities, if action is not taken now.
“Another issue, of course, is the matter of insurance. If your sheep or cattle jump out onto the road then you are responsible for any damage caused to a vehicle. If a deer jumps out and damages your car, you are left high and dry and this is not fair, Cllr Cahill stated.
He said a round-up and cull must be organised to ensure the safety of people travelling on the roads.
“I am calling again on the National Parks and Wildlife Service to recognise the fact that many of our deer no longer live within the confines of Killarney National Park and to initiate a major drive to return them to their original environment where they can be successfully managed,” said Cllr Cahill.
“With no natural predator in Ireland for deer, the herds are growing at a phenomenal rate, causing mortal danger to road users and spreading ticks that carry Lyme disease.
“This is a major health and safety issue, which I believe, the Road Safety Authority must take into consideration,” he said.
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