Serious damage permit applications for deer can only submitted online by visiting:
Applications can be submitted using one of the following paths:
- first time applicant – landowner/occupier who has never applied for a Section 42 permit to control deer (either online or paper/email based)
- renewal applicant – landowner/occupier who has applied for a Section 42 permit before (either online or paper/email based)
- applicant acting on behalf of a landowner/occupier – A person who is authorised to act on behalf of the landowner/occupier.
Please ensure you have the following documents ready to upload:
- competency certificate for any nominated agent carrying out the activity (required if requesting the use of a lamp or any thermal equipment)
- a valid Restricted Firearm Certificate (front and back) for any nominated agent carrying out the activity, for the duration of this Section 42 permit (required if requesting the use of mounted thermal equipment)
- letter of consent signed by the landowner/occupier (where an applicant is acting on behalf of a landowner/occupier)
- if you wish to submit additional maps that include the landowner/occupier’s details and folio number, please upload these in the ‘Other’ section on the Document's page.
An individual may apply for a permit on behalf of a landowner/occupier. A completed Statement of Authorised Person form is required. The form must be signed by the landowner/occupier confirming that the individual is authorised to act on their behalf.
When submitting the application through the Heritage Licensing Portal, the individual must upload the signed form on the documents page under ‘Letter of Consent’.
The signed form is valid for one year from the date of signature.
Download the Statement of Authorised Person form here: Statement of Authorised Person (Consent)
Íoslódáil an fhoirm 'Ráiteas ó Dhuine Údaraithe' anseo: Ráiteas ó Dhuine Údaraithe
Information about Deer Management Units (DMUs), can be found on the FRS Co-Op website here: Deer Management Programme - FRS Co-Op.
Information about Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), can be found on our website here: Protected Sites in Ireland.
Please Note:
- If you previously registered on the Heritage Licensing platform, you do not need to register again.
- If the profile photograph does not meet the required standard, applications will be returned to the applicant. The requirements for photographs, which will appear on your official Government issued permit, are outlined in the FAQ document located below.
- A polygon map outlining the area where damage is occurring must be completed on the Maps Tab on the application. If you wish to submit additional maps that include the landowner/occupier’s details and folio number, please upload these in the ‘Other’ section on the Document's page.
- All Section 42 permits for deer are issued for 4 months.
Microsoft Authenticator
The Heritage Licensing Portal uses the Microsoft Authenticator App. The video below explains how to activate this service
A number of documents are provided below to assist you with the process of applying for a Section 42 permit for Deer:
- Registering for Heritage Licensing Portal
- Applying for a Section 42 deer permit
- Entering a polygon (site boundary)
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Contact details
Wildlife Licensing Unit:
Email: wildlifelicence@npws.gov.ie
Telephone: (01) 888 3242