A local councillor says a conversation needs to happen around a deer cull in Waterford.
Pat Fitzgerald says there are a number of places in his district of East Waterford where there seem to be large numbers of deer this year.
Particularly from Passage Cross to the Faithlegg area and towards Dunmore East.
Speaking to WLR News, Councillor Fitzgerald says he's been alerted to ten incidents already where they've jumped out in front of cars.
He said he usually gets three or four calls but that this year the number has almost tripled.
This time of year is usually when deer mate and therefore lots of male deer fighting are being seen.
Because of the increase in deer, there is an increase in accidents, something Councillor FitzGerald says is "cruel for all involved."
"Sometimes the deer is killed outright, sometimes the deer gets struck and runs away which is cruel on the animal as they could die painfully somewhere in the wilderness," he said.
Up until now, there have been no discussions on a deer cull, but Councillor FitzGerald said he thinks "the time has now come."
He said it would be extremely dangerous for someone driving a small, light car or motorcycle to hit a deer.
"I think we do have to seriously consider at least the option of a cull," he said.
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