OPW hires sniper to target Phoenix Park deer

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has hired a sniper to kill more than 200 deer in Dublin’s Phoenix Park during the past two years, selling the carcasses to a meat supplier for €19,488.

A total of 203 deer were shot by the marksman as part of eight culls in 2016 and 2017. A further 57 animals died as a result of road accidents and natural causes during the same period.

The OPW said Phoenix Park remained open to the public while the culls were performed by a 68-year-old sniper from Bray, Co Wicklow. However, it said a “detailed protocol” was followed, which took account of the welfare of the deer and the safety of the public.