The following notice has been circulated by the NPWS concerning an upcoming Forum on deer management, following a recent online survey of opinions of stakeholders:

“Last year a Deer Management Strategy Group, under the chairmanship of Mr Teddy Cashman, was convened to continue the work of the Irish Deer Management Forum (IDMF). The group is tasked with developing a sustainable deer management strategy for Ireland in consultation with stakeholders.

To inform this process, the group launched a public consultation on the sustainable management of deer in Ireland. The views and replies to this public consultation have been collated into a report and the group wish to share the results with stakeholders.

The engagement of key stakeholders and the wider public is key to the development, finalisation and implementation of this Strategy. Therefore – on Thursday 27 April 2023 the group will host a public forum for any interested individuals, groups or organisations to share their views on deer management in order to maintain the work that commenced with last year’s public consultation.

The forum will be hosted at The Killeshin Hotel & Leisure Club, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois between 11am and 1pm on Thursday 27 April 2023.

We look forward to seeing you there on the day.

Niall Feery

On behalf of the Deer Management Strategy Group”

Deer Alliance HCAP has requested sight of the Report referred to above, in advance of the Forum date, so that proper consideration can be given to the Report’s contents and any recommendations or proposals therein.  This is with a view to constructive comment and contribution, and the avoidance of conflict or dissension amongst stakeholders. We will report any response to our request when received.