Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015
288. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to make it a condition of any new forestry grants that forests where deer are kept will have stock-proof fencing that will ensure the deer do not leave the forest and stray onto private land where they cause major damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10457/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, along with my colleague, Minister of State Tom Hayes T.D., Minister for Forestry, has recently published a report titled, “Deer Management in Ireland – A Framework for Action” and they have announced membership of a Deer Management Forum. This report lists a number of recommendations which will be examined by the Deer Management Forum including issues associated with the management of wild deer populations. The report is available at: http://www.npws.ie/news/publication-report-deer-management-ireland
Under the afforestation scheme, forest owners are required to protect newly planted forests from damage by deer and other animals. Grant aid for the establishment of new forests provides funding for fencing to keep animals out of the newly planted forest until the young trees are successfully established. Funding may be provided for cattle, sheep, deer and rabbit fencing. Each new site proposed for afforestation is examined on a case by case basis and appropriate fencing is considered.
