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Survey reveals 1400 deer in Killarney National Park

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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.

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HeartBeat to host Advanced Healthcare Directive information night

Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) […]

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Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) on Tuesday, April 29, starting at 8pm in the Parish Centre, Park Road.

An ADH is a document which sets out your instructions in relation to healthcare treatments in the future, when you no longer have the capacity to decide. AHDs are not solely relevant to older individuals. Young adults can also significantly benefit from putting these directives in place for themselves or when assisting loved ones. Attendees will gain valuable ‘Knowledge is Power; regarding legal and personal matters
The meeting will specifically look at two key application forms: the standard AHD Form and the Think Ahead / my form.
Prior to the main meeting, a Blood Pressure. and Pulse Clinic will be available from 7:15pm until 8:00pm sharp. Following O’Shea Clarke’s presentation, there will be a Question & Answer session, followed by tea and coffee.
SAGE Advocacy, the national service for older people, works to ensure access to information, support, and independent advocacy, while also providing safeguarding services across various settings, including homes, day centres, hospitals, and nursing homes.
They also support vulnerable adults and healthcare patients in situations where other services may not be available.
For further information, email anne.osheaclarke@sageadvocacy.ie or visit www.sageadvocacy.ie.

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Singer-songwriter Lillie Foley releases second single

Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms. ‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend […]

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Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms.

‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend of pop and soul music, drawing on Foley’s own life experiences. The track marks a further step in the promising career of the emerging local artist.
Recorded at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, ‘That’s Life’ showcases Foley’s emotive lyrics, soulful vocals, and a sound that is both modern and deeply personal. Collaborating with music producer and audio engineer Hermann Ogulla, Foley has crafted a song that blends her Irish background with contemporary musical styles, aiming to resonate with listeners in Ireland,and beyond.
Foley said: “This is a song about resilience and accepting that bad things happen in life and we just have to get on with it and move on as best we can.”
‘That’s Life’ is the second of several songs Foley has planned for release in 2025.

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