Stark warning to motorists over sheep wandering onto busy Mayo roads

Sheep wandering down from unfenced commonage lands onto busy main Mayo roads continues to be a burden for motorists - particularly at night time.

Deputy Michael Ring said he receives regular complaints about the matter - but there is still no legislation in place to cover the situation when accidents occur.

"It is a big problem in areas of north and west Mayo in particular, especially sheep coming down onto the roads at night-time.

"There have been many accidents over the years," he outlined.

According to John Condon, director of services with Mayo County Council, the only responsibility local authorities have in that regard relates to horses and dogs.

Animals such as sheep, and even cattle in certain places, are covered by the Animals Act 1985.

"Farmers and owners of animals have a responsibility to keep them fenced in.

"However, in parts of the country, such as the Curragh in County Kildare and places in Achill and the west of Ireland, it is not normal to fence in animals.

"As those animals do not have to be fenced in those cases, drivers have to be particularly careful because they have to expect animals may be on the roads in these places.

"In most parts of the country where animals are fenced in, the onus is on landowners to keep them off the roads but not in certain parts of the country," he added.