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Cllr Cathal Foley.
KERRY Sinn Féin councillor Cathal Foley has described comments by Michael Healy Rae TD calling for the eradication of deer from Kerry as “preposterous”.
Earlier this week, Deputy Healy Rae called for an eradication programme rather than a cull for deer in the county in the wake of a woman being attacked by a stag near Glencar last week.
“The request by Michael Healy Rae TD to eradicate deer from our county is a preposterous and outrageous suggestion,” said the Tralee Municipal District councillor.
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“Red Deer are synonymous with Kerry and especially Killarney, this is recognised by numerous businesses and organisations throughout the county, the Kerry GAA logo famously features a Red Deer stag,” he said.
“The recent deer attack on a woman walking in Glencar, while shocking, is an extremely rare event and shouldn’t be used as an excuse to further persecute our native wildlife. We saw similar scaremongering from the same quarters preceding the successful introduction of the White Tailed Sea Eagle a number of years ago.”
“Wildlife tourism has become increasingly important in recent times and we as a county should be promoting our iconic species, not seeking to eradicate it. Management of our deer population should be left to the experts and statements of hyperbole are of no benefit to anyone,” said Cllr Foley.
Alan Watson needs to enlighten Michael Healy Rae TD.
Deer need natural predators to keep the herd healthy and the population within natural limitations and in harmony with their territory.
Deer need an entire ecosystem not just a basic forest as Ireland has done.
I would love to see all high ground especially along the Dingle peninsula, from Tralee to Dingle restored to native forest and full restoration of all natives species.
Restoring the Caledonian Forest in Scotland. Alan Watson Featherstone. SERA Conference 2016:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFR4yhu99OY