Farming representatives in Kerry are calling on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to introduce a financial incentive for hunters to control the county’s growing deer population.

The request has been supported by Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill.
Deputy Cahill said the number of Red and Sika deer in Kerry has increased sharply in recent years, with animals now appearing in fields, gardens, and on roads across the county. He warned that deer pose a danger to public safety and can carry ticks that spread Lyme disease.
“Everybody is aware that the Red and Sika deer have moved far beyond the confines of Killarney National Park, roaming freely through Kerry, damaging crops and gardens and are a real threat to life and limb on our roads,” he said.
He added that previous efforts to cull herds have been unsuccessful. “Our farming body representatives are among the stakeholders who should be consulted and all possible solutions considered to improve the situation,” Deputy Cahill said.
Similar bounty schemes have been used successfully in the past for foxes and seals. Deputy Cahill confirmed he has submitted a Parliamentary Question to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon to introduce a bounty for deer.
“I believe it is important to incentivise hunters to control deer numbers and assist in preventing accidents and tragedies in County Kerry,” he said.

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Killarney Regatta Festival is now postponed due to adverse weather conditions this Sunday September 14.
The following Sunday September 21 at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club has now been finalised and confirmed.

The Forecast is expected to bring: rain,southerly winds,S/W and S/E: both will bring heavy winds and rain straight to the shores of Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, predicted at 34-37kms/hr.

Chairman Paddy Cronin and Safety Officer Richard Leane, called the postponement on Wednesday.

In a statement Paddy Cronin said: “it is with an abundance of caution and safety that we had to make this hard decision to postpone Sunday’s event. It is paramount that our rowing crews, trainers, visitors and volunteers are kept safe. Killarney Festival Regatta is now postponed to Sunday September 21. We wish to thank Killarney Golf and Fishing Club for their understanding and allowing us to use the unique venue the following Sunday.
We wish to thank Cllr Martin Grady, all the volunteers and suppliers for their cooperation, we appreciate all your help with keeping alive this unique Killarney traditional regatta.”