People living in the greater Killarney area are being invited to submit proposals on deer management in the locality.

The purpose of the consultation coordinated by the Deer Management Strategy Group is to gather views on key issues relating to deer management in Ireland, the impact of increased deer numbers on a variety of issues such as forestry, biodiversity, road safety, animal health and welfare and the welfare of the deer themselves.

It was launched last week by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien.

“For agriculture as well as our nature ecosystems, it is important that we are aware of the need for the sustainable management of our national deer population. These include the protection of biodiversity, newly planted forestry, pasture and crops, road safety, animal health, public health, and not least the health and welfare of the deer themselves,” said McConalogue.

“I am delighted to see the Deer Management Strategy group, chaired by Teddy Cashman, progress this important work with officials from my department, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Coillte. Teddy and the group have shown tremendous leadership so far and I look forward to seeing their work progress. I encourage all interested parties, be that individuals, groups or associations to make their views known to the consultation so that the deer can be managed in a sustainable way in the future.”

Interested individuals, groups or organisations can share their views on deer management in Ireland by completing the online survey available on the Government of Ireland website at gov.ie. Closing date for submissions is 5pm, Friday, February 10.