Urgent: Declan Gillen Appointed as Deer Management Coordinator in Donegal

UPDATE: Declan Gillen has been officially appointed as the new Deer Management Unit (DMU) coordinator for Donegal, effective immediately. The announcement was made by FRS Co-Op earlier today, marking a pivotal step in managing deer populations in the region.

Gillen, a native of Ballyshannon, brings over 28 years of experience from both the Irish Defence Forces and the Australian Defence Forces. His role will involve coordinating a comprehensive deer management strategy, closely collaborating with local farmers, hunters, and landowners regarding deer sightings and hunting practices.

The establishment of Gillen’s position is part of a broader initiative by FRS to implement deer management strategies across 15 regions in Ireland over the next four years. The strategy aims to maintain sustainable deer populations while addressing concerns from local communities about deer impacts on land and wildlife.

Gillen stated, “With a strong commitment to effective and sustainable wildlife management, my primary goal in this position is to act as a central point of contact and facilitator for all deer management activities within Donegal.” His appointment comes at a crucial time, as local stakeholders seek solutions for managing the deer population effectively.

Michael Keegan, manager of the FRS deer management program, expressed confidence in Gillen’s capabilities, emphasizing his extensive background in hunting and communication. “If any local hunters or landowners have concerns about deer populations in their area, our information can be found on the FRS Co-Op Deer Management Programme website,” he added.

The deer management strategy was developed in 2023 by a steering group that included representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM), the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS), and various farmer representatives, showcasing a collaborative effort to address this growing issue.

Local residents and stakeholders are encouraged to reach out to FRS for guidance and support regarding deer management. As Donegal prepares for this new chapter in wildlife management, the focus remains on fostering cooperation among all parties involved to ensure a balanced and effective approach.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.