Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2022
752. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the increasing number of deer in the Dublin 18 area; if his attention has been further drawn to the risk that they are causing in relation to traffic accidents and incidents in gardens and homes; if he will take steps to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48110/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have responsibility for wildlife, including the wild deer population.
My Department is aware of the reported increase in the national deer population, which has resulted in the migration of wild deer into some areas where they were not present previously.
My Department works closely with colleagues in NPWS in relation to wild deer. In this regard, I have recently appointed Mr Teddy Cashman, as Chairman of the Deer Forum, with the view to develop a national deer strategy. Officials from my Department and the NPWS, in conjunction with the Chair, are preparing a public consultation on wild deer.
I would encourage all those who have an interest in the matter, including members of the Oireachtas to make a submission in response to this consultation when it opens in the coming weeks.
