Damage done: Expanding deer population sparks calls for culls

Culls alone will not solve the problem of an expanding deer population but should form part of a comprehensive herd management plan

Deer population expansion, in recent decades, has led to a situation where numbers may now exceed 200,000, according to Teagasc. Picture: Valerie O'Sullivan

Young deer, born in May and June, now look pretty and photogenic and provide yet another indication of continuing growth in the deer population.

It’s totally understandable that road accidents involving deer should be a primary concern, but there’s also a serious environmental issue involved here.