Concerns raised over the increasing amount of road accidents in Tipperary are being caused by deer

Tipperary councillors have called for a further cull of the county’s deer.

Cahir-Cashel Councillor John Crosse raised the issue at a recent full sitting of Tipperary County Council.

He said he has nothing against deer, but they are posing a road safety risk and disrupting agriculture.

“Roaming deer are causing an awful lot of concern to those driving to work, and it’s come to some close calls.

“Tipperary is losing the battle,” said Cllr Crosse. Nenagh councillor Ger Darcy supported his colleague, saying it is ‘extremely dangerous’ when deer are jumping out onto the road.

Rocky McGrath said with the growth of forestry, the number of deer in the premier county is increasing and “farmers are suffering.”

“They are coming nearer and nearer down the hills,” said Cllr McGrath.

County Cathaoirleach Roger Kennedy said nobody wants deer eliminated from the countryside.

But he said it is a fact that they are breeding fast, and increased numbers mean more accidents.

Cllr Kennedy said that this is an issue in all districts and asked that the council write to the department.

Director of Services for Roads Marcus O’Connor said he agreed that deer are posing a danger.

“There is no doubt that we are seeing more deer, and we see accident reports.

“More and more are caused by deer,” said Mr O’Connor.

However, he said that there has been a national cull, and Tipperary has killed the second highest number in the country.

He said he will write to the department to see what else can be done.