Clendennen calls for united approach to address growth in deer numbers

Fine Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen, highlighted the urgent need for a collaborative approach to mitigate the impact of deer on agriculture and road safety at the inaugural FRS Co-op Deer Management Programme event in Kinnitty.

The first-of-its-kind national event brought together farmers, foresters, landowners, and hunters from across the country to discuss the pressing issue of sustainable deer management, forestry, farmland protection, and habitat conservation.

The Fine Gael Deputy noted the increase in deer population and the issues caused by their growing presence in local communities.

“From over the last number of years, there’s no doubt that the presence of deer has increased significantly right across the area.

“I grew up here in the Slieve Blooms in Kinnitty village, and once upon a time you saw a deer on the odd occasion. Now, when you’re travelling over the mountains late at night, you see 10, 15, 20 deer.

"There are numerous black spots on roads that were never black spots before. So it is becoming an increasing problem," Deputy Clendennen said.

The Information Day featured expert speakers and practitioners from key organisations including the Farm Relief Services (FRS), University College Dublin (UCD), ProSilva, the Native Woodland Trust, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Topics covered included deer ecology and behaviour, the impact of deer on forestry and farmland, the FRS Deer Management Programme, and practical insights into collaborative deer management.

Deputy Clendennen emphasised the importance of the new state-led deer management initiative, which is contracted to FRS.

“We see farmers, foresters, landowners, and hunters all coming together under this new deer management initiative that we have, led and resourced by the state, and contracted to FRS to try and address the issue.

“I think this is an important step forward in terms of bringing the engagement together, ensuring that all of the stakeholders are involved," he said.

The Offaly TD also stressed that the approach must be comprehensive, looking beyond mere culling to address the broader implications of the rising deer population, such as the transmission of diseases and damage to agricultural land.

“From every perspective, this is not solely about culling. I know there’s a lot of talk about population numbers and how they increase, but there are other initiatives that can be introduced as well, and I think that holistic view and approach to management overall is what will serve us best,” Deputy Clendennen added.

Deputy Clendennen has been a vocal advocate for proactive deer management at the national level. He recently attended and contributed to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food debate on deer management, where he underscored the daily challenges faced by farmers and road users due to the increasing deer numbers.

“It’s important to identify that these resources have been put in place by the government, and in order for them to stay there, it’s important that they’re used effectively.

“That’s why we need everyone at the table. We need everyone engaging, and that people like me representing the area can make that compelling case to ministers in time to come that this programme has been effective, that it has been worthwhile, and that the state and the government should continue to invest in it.”