News
Healy-Rae hits out at RSA over failure to address Killarney deer collision crisis
Healy-Rae hits out at RSA over failure to address Killarney deer collision crisis
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae has launched an attack on the Road Safety Authority (RSA), accusing the body of failing to address the severe and growing danger of wild deer roaming onto public roads around Killarney National Park and wider rural Kerry.
Speaking at a meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food, the Kerry TD directly challenged senior RSA officials over the lack of any meaningful national awareness campaigns regarding deer strikes, despite the authority's massive marketing budget.
Figures raised by Deputy Healy-Rae revealed that out of more than €26 million spent by the RSA on media campaigns between 2019 and 2024, less than €40,000 was directed toward animal-related road safety issues. He described the disparity as an insult to local motorists facing a daily hazard.
"Anybody living in Killarney and rural Kerry knows the severe danger roaming deer pose on our public roads," Deputy Healy-Rae said. "In areas surrounding the National Park and across the county, collisions and near-misses are happening constantly. Yet the RSA spends eye-watering amounts of taxpayers’ money every year on glossy advertising campaigns while completely ignoring the deer crisis."
During the committee exchange, RSA officials admitted that deer pose a genuine danger on Irish roads but confirmed they had not sought specific meetings with the Government or Ministers to address the issue. Deputy Healy-Rae also warned that deer-related crashes are heavily under-reported, with the financial and physical toll falling entirely on local families.
"Ordinary working people are paying the price for this neglect," he added. "Cars are being written off, people are being injured, and terrifying near-misses are a weekly reality on our local roads. People in Kerry are sick of being forgotten about by national bodies. Rural realities matter, and we need urgent, targeted safety messaging before more serious accidents occur."
Following the tense exchange, RSA officials committed to examining targeted campaigns for high-risk collision areas, a move the Kerry TD welcomed but insisted must be delivered with immediate urgency.
Killarney was plunged into sadness this week following the sudden passing of one of its most popular and beloved personalities, Brian ‘Chomp’ O’Regan, on Monday last.
A prominent sportsman and a larger-than-life character, Brian was known across the community for his infectious smile, good humour, and deep involvement in local sporting circles.
He played underage football with Dr Crokes, wore the blue jersey for Killarney Athletic AFC with pride, and excelled on the golf course as a member of Killarney Golf and Fishing Club.
Those who knew him well described him as the heart and soul of many a sporting occasion who packed an immense amount into his relatively short life.
Local sporting clubs led the tributes as news of his untimely passing shook the community.
Killarney Athletic AFC said on social media: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Brian O’Regan. A larger-than-life character who brought a smile to all in his company. He always wore the blue jersey with pride and was never slow to help out with club activities when called upon. Rest in peace Chomp.”
Dr Crokes GAA Club also shared their sympathies: “All of our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the late Brian O’Regan who represented Dr Crokes at juvenile level. Brian was also an active member of our golf society for a number of years. May he Rest in Peace.”
Killarney Legion GAA club joined in the tributes, extending their sincere condolences to Brian’s family, relatives, and friends at this difficult time.
Brian will be deeply missed by his heartbroken family. He is survived by his parents, Vincent and Elizabeth, and his siblings, Olivia, Elaine, and James.
He is also sadly missed by his adored nephews Cillian, Tristan, and Rowan, his niece Isabella, brother-in-law James Murphy, James’ partner Jess, as well as his uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends.
Killarney mourns the sudden passing of Brian ‘Chomp’ O’Regan
Killarney was plunged into sadness this week following the sudden passing of one of its most popular and beloved personalities, Brian ‘Chomp’ O’Regan, on Monday last.
A prominent sportsman and a larger-than-life character, Brian was known across the community for his infectious smile, good humour, and deep involvement in local sporting circles.
He played underage football with Dr Crokes, wore the blue jersey for Killarney Athletic AFC with pride, and excelled on the golf course as a member of Killarney Golf and Fishing Club.
Those who knew him well described him as the heart and soul of many a sporting occasion who packed an immense amount into his relatively short life.
Local sporting clubs led the tributes as news of his untimely passing shook the community.
Killarney Athletic AFC said on social media: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Brian O’Regan. A larger-than-life character who brought a smile to all in his company. He always wore the blue jersey with pride and was never slow to help out with club activities when called upon. Rest in peace Chomp.”
Dr Crokes GAA Club also shared their sympathies: “All of our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the late Brian O’Regan who represented Dr Crokes at juvenile level. Brian was also an active member of our golf society for a number of years. May he Rest in Peace.”
Killarney Legion GAA club joined in the tributes, extending their sincere condolences to Brian’s family, relatives, and friends at this difficult time.
Brian will be deeply missed by his heartbroken family. He is survived by his parents, Vincent and Elizabeth, and his siblings, Olivia, Elaine, and James.
He is also sadly missed by his adored nephews Cillian, Tristan, and Rowan, his niece Isabella, brother-in-law James Murphy, James’ partner Jess, as well as his uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends.
Locals and tourists urged to be vigilant following break-ins
Gardaí have issued an appeal for vigilance to both locals and tourists following a series of vehicle break-ins and a...
Killarney mourns the sudden passing of Brian ‘Chomp’ O’Regan
Killarney was plunged into sadness this week following the sudden passing of one of its most popular and beloved personalities,...
Maggie’s Montessori children step out for Barnardos Big Toddle
The children at Maggie’s Montessori took to the paths on Wednesday this week to complete a special sponsored walk in...
Killarney travel professional part of award-winning national team
Killarney-based travel professional Nicola Browne is celebrating this week as part of the Travel Counsellors Ireland team, which has been...
Healy-Rae hits out at RSA over failure to address Killarney deer collision crisis
Healy-Rae hits out at RSA over failure to address Killarney deer collision crisis Deputy Michael Healy-Rae has launched an attack...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
