Kerry TD Michael Cahill is calling for the creation of a specialised Lyme Disease unit at University Hospital Kerry (UHK), citing the increasing threat posed by tick bites and the high density of wild deer in Killarney and surrounding areas.

Deputy Cahill, a member of the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee, said the danger of Lyme Disease is "ever present" in Kerry due to the large number of deer roaming in areas like Killarney National Park. He believes UHK is the logical location for a unit focused on detection, treatment, and research of the disease.
“Lyme Disease is a debilitating, horrible disease and the early signs of the illness can include fever, fatigue and muscle and joint aches, while later-stage symptoms can include pain in bones and nerves, weakness, tingling or loss of sensation in limbs, swelling of the brain and spinal cord, memory loss and the inability to think clearly,” said Cahill.
He warned that cases of Lyme Disease are likely to increase, with climate change now being linked to the spread of ticks globally. In the United States, a rise in tick-related emergency room visits has been recorded this year, the highest since 2019.
“Climate change is contributing to the increase in Lyme Disease. Milder winters and longer summers are allowing ticks to survive and spread more easily,” Cahill added. “This is a clear public health issue and we need to act before it worsens.”
The Kerry TD also highlighted the dangers posed by wild deer not only in terms of tick transmission but also to road safety.
“Wild deer wandering freely on the roads of Kerry pose a significant threat to the safety of all road users. Combined with the danger of contracting Lyme Disease from their ticks, it is clear that deer numbers must be reduced to manageable levels,” he said.
He pointed to the work of the recently formed Deer Management Strategy Group as a step in the right direction and said he expects it will lead to more active management of the local deer population.
Cahill is urging the Department of Health and HSE to support the establishment of a Lyme-specific department at UHK.
“At present, even when Lyme Disease is diagnosed, patients often have to travel abroad, including to Germany, for effective treatment. That is unacceptable. It places a huge burden on people who are already unwell. A diagnostic and treatment centre in University Hospital Kerry makes complete sense,” he said.
“UHK is located near one of the highest-risk areas in the country for deer-related tick exposure. We need a dedicated resource in the hospital to deal with this threat,” Cahill added.
He also referenced high-profile cases of Lyme Disease among international celebrities, including singers Justin Bieber and Justin Timberlake, to illustrate how serious the illness can be. Cahill noted that contracting Lyme Disease during pregnancy can also pose serious risks to both mother and baby, further emphasising the need for early detection and specialised care.
“This is not a minor issue. This is a growing public health concern. We need to get ahead of it before it becomes a crisis,” he concluded.