Any new forestry license in Leitrim must come with a requirement for the construction of deer proof fencing.
That’s the view of local councillor Gerry Dolan who says the animals are responsible for dozens are road accidents each year.
Speaking at this month’s council meeting, the independent councillor said that Leitrim’s significant level of afforestation makes it a breeding ground for deer who then often wander across busy roads.
This is leading to a risk of life, with Councillor Dolan stating it is a matter of time before there is a fatality from a deer strike.
He has put forward a motion calling for a submission to be made to the Irish Forestry Strategy Implementation plan calling for the infrastructure to be made mandatory.
Speaking to Shannonside FM news at the meeting this week, Councillor Dolan said the fencing would also make it easier for the responsible management of deer populations in Leitrim.
"You could be driving 10 miles a hour and a deer still could land on your windscreen and unfortunately could wipe out an entire family and I purpose any new forestry's planned or replanted must have adequate fencing that would stop deer have access to roads or at least combat it in someway to prevent them accessing roads and put peoples lives at risk."
