Connect with us

News

Survey reveals 1400 deer in Killarney National Park

Published

on

B

By Anne Lucey

Preliminary results of a scientific survey reveals the total number of deer in Killarney National Park is over 1400.
The survey, carried out by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), was released on request and comes amid a recent campaign by the Killarney Advertiser to keep road users safe due to deer crowding onto lowland areas alongside busy roads and crossing onto the path of motorists.
The survey of deer in all areas of Killarney National Park took place in late 2018, and is currently being finalised.
It shows that almost two thirds - or just under 900 are native Killarney red deer - Ireland's largest mammal - more than was previously estimated.
However, the figures suggest that if spread across the 25,000 acres of park, mountain and lake - there are 18 deer for every 247 acres.

“Preliminary reported results indicate that the population density of red deer is in the region of 11.31 per square kilometre (c.. 896 red deer) and the density of Sika is in the region of 6.71 per square kilometre (c. 532 Sika deer),” the NPWS have revealed.
Although higher for the once almost extinct unique Killarney red deer, overall deer numbers for Killarney are similar to previous estimates.
Hundreds of red deer can be seen any day in the Demesne area alongside the national park and similar numbers are grazing on pasture land alongside the N71 at Muckross.

The Irish Deer Commission (IDC), which is made up of conservationists and hunters, dispute claims deer are involved in serious accidents - as claimed by local deer safety campaigners.
“Deer needs management and you can't have two and three hundred crowding into lowland areas,” Damien Hannigan IDC spokesman, said.

“Data released by An Garda Siochana to the Irish Deer Commission (IDC) show just over 100 road traffic accidents involving deer across the country were reported in 2018.”
He also disputes claims that there are too many deer. The IDC’s scientific advisor Dr Ruth Carden says herd number of 1,000 red deer is needed in Killarney to reduce the impact of low genetic diversity, Mr Hannigan said.
Old walls which once separated the road from the park woodland areas are no longer in place.
NPWS personnel concede deer are moving from the uplands onto lowland grazing areas in huge numbers.
Last year, 120 mostly red deer were culled by the NPWS. However, there are growing calls for a more severe cull as well as for fencing.
The NPWS concede the inherently mobile deer are involved in collisions, but say they have no plans to fence alongside public roads.
“Fencing thousands of hectares would not be viable, and would be an enormous task and ineffective, particularly against the smaller Sika, they said.
Improved signage and sight lines is recommended by the NPWS and they have been liaising with Kerry County Council.

Advertisement

News

Boxing brothers aim for European Championship

Killarney boxing brothers, Jamesie and Pa Casey, have their sights set on representing Ireland at the upcoming European championships after a successful spring in the ring. Both national champions for […]

Published

on

Killarney boxing brothers, Jamesie and Pa Casey, have their sights set on representing Ireland at the upcoming European championships after a successful spring in the ring.

Both national champions for 2025, the talented siblings are in preparation for crucial national competitions. Pa is gearing up for the junior cadets in three weeks, while Jamesie will compete in the under-18 championships in July.

Victory in these national events would automatically earn both boys an invitation to the high-performance unit, bringing them a step closer to being selected for the Irish team heading to the European championships.

Both Jamesie and Pa follow a rigorous training schedule, working out six days a week, twice a day – before school and work in the morning, and again every evening.

They are currently in camp, preparing for their respective national competitions.

The brothers understand the commitment required at this level of boxing, describing it as a lifestyle demanding 100% dedication, including twice-daily training, healthy eating, weight management, strength and conditioning, running, sparring, and technical training.

The Casey brothers thanked Bobby Enright of Peak Performance Academy for strength and conditioning and nutrition guidance, ProActive Physiotherapy for their support and the coaches and volunteers at Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club

Continue Reading

News

Killorglin’s RDI Hub to hosts open week

The RDI Hub in Killorglin is inviting the public to an Open Week next week, from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23. They are encouraging people who are curious […]

Published

on

The RDI Hub in Killorglin is inviting the public to an Open Week next week, from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23.

They are encouraging people who are curious about what the hub offers, or anyone needing a different place to work for a day, to come and visit.
During the week, people can use a desk for free at any time. They can also stay for just an hour or for the whole day. There will be lunchtime events each day featuring guest speakers. On Friday, visitors can try out the Media Lab with free podcasting sessions, but booking ahead is needed for this. The hub offers a lively space where people can work together.
The lunchtime events include Chris Barrett talking about his Arctic journey on Monday, John Ryan from Gigable on business growth strategies on Tuesday, Gavin Henrick from Brickfield Labs discussing accessibility on Wednesday, Hugh Reynolds from the RDI Hub talking about online marketing on Thursday, and a VHI Wellness Station on Friday. The Media Lab will also be open on Friday for podcasting sessions.
Anyone interested in attending the Open Week is asked to sign up using this link: https://bit.ly/4jlJlD3.

Lunchtime Events During Open Week:

Monday 19: Chris Barrett – Journey to the Arctic on the Fjällräven Polar Expedition
An incredible story of resilience, adventure, and pushing boundaries.
Tuesday 20: John Ryan, Gigable – Go-to-Market Strategy Session
Practical strategies for launching and growing your business.
Wednesday 21: Gavin Henrick, Brickfield Labs – Tearing Down the Accessibility Barriers
Why accessibility matters and how to build inclusive digital experiences.
Thursday 22: Hugh Reynolds, RDI Hub Entrepreneur in Residence – Zero to Online Hero
Explore what happens when a community experiment meets digital marketing.
Friday 23: VHI Wellness Station
Close out the week with the VHI Wellness Station which will give you insights into Body Composition, Diabetes Risk and More!
Bonus Friday Activity:
🎙️ Open Media Lab Access and Complimentary Podcasting Sessions
Explore our new Media Lab and try out a mini podcasting session with expert support.
Sessions are free but must be pre-booked in advance – limited slots available!
For more information, you can contact Megan Daly Tyrrell at megan.dalytyrrell@rdihub.com.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport