Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2018
691. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is considerable concern over the alleged mismanagement of native red deer in Killarney National Park and their future conservation status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42364/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra692. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the management plan that is in place and the way in which many sika and red deer are to be culled in the coming months by her Department's staff in Killarney National Park; the qualified staff available as conservation rangers with specific responsibility for the management of the herd and thereby reducing the impact on the park's wider ecosystem; if she will ensure that they are culled in a gradual manner with regard to animal safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42365/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 691 and 692 together.
I can assure the Deputy that the deer population in Killarney National Park is carefully monitored and managed by qualified staff in my Department. Every year, as part of this on-going management of deer populations within the Park, deer numbers may need to be reduced. Culls in Killarney are undertaken following consideration of a number of reports, population surveys and scientific advice. The cull in Killarney is carried out by trained, experienced and dedicated NPWS staff in a professional manner and is based upon scientific research. As part of this managed process, some 120 deer have culled since January 2018. It is not possible to estimate how many more deer will be culled in 2018 due to weather and other factors. The following points should be noted:
- The 2018 cull was decided upon following consultation with NPWS professional staff, including scientific input as required.
- Shooting of deer in the Park is carried out only by NPWS professional staff members, who are fully trained, competent, expert and licenced in the use of firearms.
- The selection of deer shot is in accordance with normal deer management protocols. The deer are shot humanely by qualified NPWS marksmen.
- The remains are processed and disposed of in full compliance with the applicable Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine guidelines, and with the involvement, as appropriate, of officials from that Department.
There is a significant challenge in attempting to balance the demands of agriculture, forestry and conservation with the need to ensure that deer populations occupying the same land resources are managed at sustainable levels, and in a responsible and ethical manner. Ultimately, however, where deer species are increasing in range and numbers, depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats (especially woodland), culls need to be carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.
