Donegal County Council is launching a public awareness campaign to alert road users to the dangers of wild deer crossing public roads. Signs have been erected at six locations following consultation between Donegal County Council, National Parks and Wildlife Services, Coillte, An Garda Síochána and the Donegal Branch of the Irish Deer Society.
Welcoming the new signs, 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. However, Joe Gatins, National Parks and Wildlife Services commented, “ With over 2,000 estimated wild deer covering nearly all areas of the county, motorists should be vigilant at all times.”
In order to identify other areas of high risk, motorists are asked to report all collisions or near misses to Donegal County Council. Eamonn 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.