Written answer
Road Safety
Deer management lies outside the Transport Department; the Minister pointed to the IDMSG, local-authority signage responsibilities and RSA advice to motorists.
252. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to carry out emergency measures to prevent deer from causing death and serious injury to motorists and all road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67959/26]
Comment on this
263. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to carry out emergency measures to prevent deer from causing death and serious injury to motorists and all road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67960/26]
Comment on this
264. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to carry out emergency measures to prevent deer from causing death and serious injury to motorists and all road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67962/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 252, 263 and 264 together.
The safety of all road users is a priority for me and my Department. I am aware of concerns regarding the risk posed by stray deer, particularly on rural roads and during periods when deer are more active.
The Deputy should note that management measures in relation to deer do not come under the remit of my Department or agencies.
The Irish Deer Management Strategy Group (IDMSG) was set up in 2023 with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Coillte.
The role of the IDMSG was to develop initiatives to ensure sustainable deer numbers while achieving the objectives of landowners ranging from biodiversity, forestry, agriculture, animal health and road safety.
I would encourage the Deputy to contact these bodies directly for further information.
In relation to road safety, appropriate road signage including hazard warning signs regarding deer or other wild animals is the responsibility of the local authorities.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) advises motorists to stay alert and reduce speed when driving in areas with known deer populations and particularly where deer warning signs are in place. I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA and requested that they advise if there is any further relevant information they can provide in relation to this matter.