Tipp TD calls for deer cull following collision

Fianna Fail TD Jackie Cahill has called for a cull of deer after being involved in a road crash with a deer.

The Tipperary TD was driving in his home county on Sunday night when a deer hit the side of his car.

The incident caused damage to the car but Deputy Cahill was not injured.

“The numbers of deer are out of control,” Deputy Cahill said.

“Something needs to be done. More and more deer are bolting onto our roads putting motorists in danger.

“They’re also causing huge issues for farmers. They’re overgrazing, eating pasture and crops, damaging fencing on farms and also causing problems for newly planted forestry.

“Thankfully my incident was minor but let’s not wait for a serious accident or fatality to occur before we take action on this.”

A public consultation is currently underway to gather views on issues relating to the increased deer numbers.

Mr Cahill, who is chairman of the Agriculture Committee, said a recent discussion about the issue at a committee meeting highlighted the “urgent” need for a sustainable management of the national deer population.