Achill launches deer management programme to tackle road collisions

The Achill region has reported 14 serious road traffic incidents that involved deer in the last 18 months, which have incurred thousands in damages or total write-offs

Traffic incidents involving wild deer have become a serious problem in the Achill area.

A deer management programme has been established in Achill as a result of a high frequency of road traffic incidents.

Achill Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) issued a statement clarifying a structured deer management programme was currently under way in the area due to an increase in deer-related road traffic incidents experienced locally in recent years.

In the past 18 months alone, Achill IFA is aware of 14 serious road traffic incidents that involved deer on Achill roads.

These reported incidents have resulted in damage ranging from several thousand euros to vehicles being completely written off.

A spokesperson for Achill IFA said: “In a number of cases, people have been injured, with some still recovering, and there has also been a lasting impact in terms of trauma, particularly where families and children were involved.” 

Many elderly members of the community who have experienced collisions or near misses are reportedly afraid to travel at dusk or at night.

In addition to recorded collisions, near misses are very frequent and are a regular occurrence for many road users in the area, particularly on the Achill to Mulranny Road and across the wider area. Although near misses reported by members of the public are widespread, an actual figure is hard to quantify.

The main breed of deer involved is the red deer, with mature males weighing up to 250kg and females up to 170kg, and they are capable of travelling at speeds of 70-80km/h.

In response to these public safety concerns raised by the community, a coordinated deer management programme has now been put in place in the Achill area.

The programme is being directed by the FRS Co-Op Deer Management Programme, working closely with local licensed gun club members, and is being carried out through a recognised deer management framework.

Red deer are a protected species under the Wildlife Act 1976 so all activity is undertaken by licensed and insured hunters operating under the relevant permissions and licensing provisions of the Wildlife Acts and in cooperation with the appropriate authorities.

Achill IFA stressed the programme was a “carefully organised deer management plan aimed at responsibly controlling numbers,” and to drive down road traffic incidents.