Road safety at issue, so why are Killarney’s deer still on our roads?

SIR, This week on two occasions as I was driving into Killarney, there were deer grazing at the roadside of the main Killarney-Killorglin road. Then on Friday a warning went out over Radio Kerry that there were deer on the road near the Castlerosse Hotel, also on this road.

As I was going into town a short time later I knew that there was danger and took my time. At the entrance to Killarney Golf Club there seemed to be a gathering of vehicles, so obviously something had happened, and as I drew near to Killarney a fire engine was heading out of town in that direction which confirmed my suspicions.

For years now this piece of road has been the cause of many accidents believed to have been the result of deer coming onto the road.

Back in the 1960s, Killarney National Park from Ross Castle to Killarney and all of the way out to Fossa was enclosed by an eight foot high stone wall. This wall served two purposes: Firstly, it kept the peasants out, and secondly it kept the deer in.

Then someone got the idea that perhaps it might be nice if the tourists could view parts of the park as they travelled along on this Ring of Kerry route. No one, it seems, gave any thought to the danger of deer straying onto the road. So, for many years now, accidents involving deer have been a regular occurrence.

It is just a matter of time before a serious accident occurs. Busses full of people travelling on the Ring of Kerry pass there by the dozen every day, as well as large lorries and petrol tankers. Indeed, huge haulage from local factories continuously travel on this piece of road.

While some of this road is within the 50 km speed limit other sections are within the 100 km speed limit. So the question has to be asked – who was responsible for removing the original wall and why has a deer fence not been erected in its place?

If a farmer’s cattle strayed onto the road and caused an accident he would be held responsible.

Who is responsible for keeping the deer within the confines of the National Park?

This has to be sorted out quickly before a disaster occurs.

Indeed, if this was happening near an airport runway, the airport would be closed down. Act now before the road has to be closed.

Sincerely, Michael O’Meara, Faha, Killarney.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin A Killarney stag has his eyes set on a young female in Muckross, Killarney on Friday.