Deer Remain a Controversial Issue in the Wicklow Uplands

Deer Remain a Controversial Issue in the Wicklow Uplands

Glendalough Valley from the Spink by Egita Feldberga.

The incidence of T.B. in cattle in the county continues at a level many times the national average despite the fact that the same disease control measures pertain in Wicklow as in other counties.  Local farmers and vets have suspected for some time that deer might be involved in the spread of the disease and have been calling on The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to investigate the matter.

Over the past winter The Department used their own hunter and shot and tested 104 deer in the Calary area, 16 of which proved positive for T.B. While this does not prove conclusively that deer are spreading the disease to cattle, it does point to a strong probability and highlights the need for a reduction in deer numbers with a proper scientific study in the Calary area.

The Wicklow Deer Management Partnership continues its work and this year we set up a deer management project in the Manor Kilbride area of West Wicklow similar to the Ballinastoe Project which has been running for some time. Jim Fitzsimons was appointed Project Coordinator and the group elected Sean Eustace as their Chairman. The purpose of these projects is to collaboratively manage deer in a sustainable way. Both projects have been undertaken with financial assistance from The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and The Forest Service, (The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine).

2015 saw the establishment of the National Deer Forum which was set up to develop a national long-term deer management strategy for Ireland. While the objective of the forum which draws together all stakeholders is a positive step, it is too early to make a judgement on its effectiveness. Nevertheless it is clear from its early deliberations that the deer problem in Wicklow and particularly in the uplands is more severe and more complex than in any other part of the country.

Author: Declan O’Neill, Board Director of Wicklow Uplands Council.