With four new park rangers assigned to Killarney National Park, deer culling is expected to “intensify”, according to Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan.
The minister confirmed that in the last five years, with three rangers, 461 Sika Deer and 501 Red Deer were culled in the park.
“Grazing pressure in Irish woodlands is rarely at appropriate levels and the growing impact of deer nationally has led to damage to forestry and biodiversity in some areas,” Minister Noonan said.
Fianna Fáil TD Christopher O’Sullivan said that the “severe overgrazing” by non-native invasive species such as sika deer and feral goats is contributing to habitat loss as well as the spread of rhododendrum ponticum.
In response to the deputy, the minister said that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is “committed” to being part of the national response to the issue of deer management.
He said that following a fire in the Killarney park in 2021, there has been a deep study into the effects and a woodland survey was carried out to assess the conservation status of all the woodlands.
“As the reports from these studies become available, staff at the park will have a better understanding of the current ecological conservation status of each woodland and this will help inform decisions on appropriate interventions relating to invasive-species going forward,” Minister Noonan said.
The minister reminded rangers that deer culling can only take place at times when there are no people in the area and that rangers must also be scheduled to operate in teams when culling for safety.
In relation to goat numbers at Killarney National Park, in 2022 rangers undertook a comprehensive goat survey.
The park has continued to monitor goat numbers and will use this information to determine any appropriate goat-specific management strategies required.