Deer hunters are facing a significant waiting period for gun licenses after the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien confirmed that current licenses could not be extended.

The news came in response to a parliamentary question from independent TD Michael Healy Rae. It could potentially have a ripple effect on the culling of deer in TB black spots.

The minister said the backlog was a result of staff in the Department having to work from home due to COVID-19.

“The database system used for managing deer licensing is not currently a web-based one and some technical challenges arose in facilitating the processing of such licenses for staff working remotely with laptops. Staff are working flat out to eliminate the backlog as quickly as possible,” O'Brien said.

Some hunting and farming bodies had suggested, but current licenses could be extended after they automatically expired under law on 31 July this year. However, the minister said that this was not allowed under the Wildlife Act.