NOVEMBER 2007

Deer Crossing

A public awareness campaign has seen signs being erected at six locations across the county following consultation between Donegal County Council, National Parks and Wildlife Services, Coillte, An Garda Síochána and the Donegal Branch of the Irish Deer Society. Road users across Inishowen are being asked to be vigilant about the dangers of wild deer crossing public roads following a series of accidents in various parts of Donegal in recent months. Joe Gatins, National Parks and Wildlife Services said, "With over 2,000 estimated wild deer covering nearly all areas of the county, motorists should be vigilant at all times."

Thomas Becht of the Deer Society of Ireland said, "We welcome the new signs to indicate deer movement across roads and hope it will lead to a reduction in the number of collisions and near misses. The erection of the signs is timely as we enter a period of high movement during the coming months." Deer movement is most likely from dusk until dawn and especially during the breeding season from the start of October to the end of November.

Wildlife Officer Andrew Speer said the deer population in Inishowen has increased in recent years due to change in farming practices and an increase in forestry which provides good cover for deer.

In order to identify other areas of high risk, motorists are asked to report all collisions or near misses to Donegal County Council. Eamon Brown, Road Safety Officer, appealed for the public to report all incidents. He explained: "Anyone involved in an accident is required to report it to the Gardaí. In order to assist us identify other areas of high risk we would also ask the public to contact us and inform us of accidents, or importantly near misses. This information is vital if we are to identify and sign other high frequent crossing points in the county." Accidents can be reported by contacting the Road Safety Officer on 074 9172360.

The routes covered by the new signage include the N58 Dungloe to Lettermacaward, N13 between the Dry Arch Roundabout Letterkenny and Stranorlar, R251 between Termon and Gweedore, R232 between Laghy and Pettigo, R250 between Glenties and Newmills and the N15 from Ballybofey through Barnesmore Gap to the outskirts of Donegal Town.

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