Leitrim Council pressed to act on “pandemic” of wild deer

Leitrim County Council is being urged to take immediate action to address the growing "pandemic" of wild deer causing significant problems across the county. Councillor Paddy Farrell raised the alarm at a recent Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District meeting, highlighting how the surge in deer population is damaging farmland, creating road hazards, and causing costly property damage.

“What can we do to control the increase in the deer population?” asked Farrell. “They’re wreaking havoc on the farming community and pose a serious risk to road users.” He emphasized that residents, especially farmers and motorists, are bearing the brunt of this problem. “The deer population is out of control in this region,” Farrell said, adding, “Farmers are telling me they’re seeing herds of up to 45 deer in their fields. This is a growing problem... It’s a pandemic."

With the full support of fellow councillors, Farrell proposed that the council reach out to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to explore solutions. Among these, he suggested a controlled cull in the North West as a potential measure to reduce deer numbers. “We need to act now to protect our communities. This issue affects everyone, from those tending their fields to those driving our roads,” Farrell said, stressing the urgency of the situation.

Farrell also called for deer crossing signs to be installed in high-risk areas to alert drivers. “This could help reduce some of the risks on our roads,” he explained. “Proper signage could make a real difference, especially in rural areas where deer frequently cross.”

In response, Leitrim County Council agreed to contact the NPWS and consider strategies for controlling the deer population. Farrell remains resolute in his stance: “Our community’s safety and livelihoods are at stake. This is not an issue we can ignore any longer.”