Irish deer to be culled, says minister

“The report contains potentially positive developments such as the inclusion of deer management training in agricultural, forestry and environmental courses,” the commission said.

However, it said it was concerned about statements on deer numbers when no population census had ever taken place to show whether numbers are increasing or decreasing.

“Currently a record number of wild deer are being culled in Ireland, with over 60,000 deer culled annually, and there is concern Minister McConalogue is not making this information transparent in his statements,” it said.

There was consensus on the “establishment of local deer management units in known hotspot areas” and on researching the viability of the development of an independent deer management agency.

There was also consensus on reviewing the current deer open seasons order, external, the time in autumn and winter during which deer may be hunted.

“Hotspots” identified in the report are County Wicklow, with others emerging in counties Tipperary, Waterford, Donegal and Galway.

A public consultation gathered 1,500 responses, with 86% saying deer culling was needed to address the population size.

Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan said an overabundance of wild deer could have a negative impact on biodiversity, both in ancient woodlands and among newly planted trees.

He said: “Preventing wild deer from accessing these precious habitats is not easy and can be very resource intensive.

“I’m pleased to welcome this report and the pathway it sets out towards the sustainable management of wild deer populations in Ireland, which will also bring benefits for farmland, forestry and road safety, as well as nature.”