New Deer Management Unit to be set up in Donegal – McClafferty

A new Deer Management Units (DMU) is to be set up in Donegal as part of a nationwide effort to address the growing wild population.

Councillor Michael McClafferty, who has been leading calls for a deer cull in the county, said local co-ordinators have also been appointed by FRS Co-op in neighbouring Leitrim.

Ireland’s wild deer population has reached unsustainable levels and now, a national plan is underway to manage it. 

FRS has officially appointed local coordinators to lead 15 newly established DMUs across key deer population hotspots in Ireland, including Donegal. These units are a major step forward in addressing the growing concerns around deer-related impacts on biodiversity, agriculture, and road safety.

Michael Keegan, FRS Co-Op’s Deer Management Programme Manager, stated:

“This is an important step toward implementing the national strategy. I’d encourage any landowners or farmers dealing with wild deer problems to contact us directly, we’re here to help coordinate efforts”.

Cllr McClafferty said he welcomed the appointments.

New Deer Management Unit to be set up in Donegal – McClafferty was last modified: August 20th, 2025 by Staff Writer

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