Cost of Curragh clean-up for 2024 was "€185,944,94", parliamentary question reveals

The cost of cleaning up the Curragh following illegal encampments last year was €185,944,94, a parliamentary question has revealed.

A South Kildare TD tabled a parliamentary question in relation to illegal encampments on the Curragh, the government plans for future management of the plains and the cost of clean up after the 2024 incursions.

Deputy Sean O'Fearghail asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the specific steps he has taken to ensure “the total prevention of illegal encampments taking place across the Curragh Plains in 2025”; the costs incurred by his Department in dealing with the incursions and the clean ups that are necessary in the aftermath; and if he would make a statement on the matter.

In his reply, the Tanaiste and Minister for Defence stated that “the Department has been engaged with the CSSO in anticipation of any potential trespassing to ensure that all legal steps are taken promptly to protect the Plains.

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“In the case of trespass or criminal damage, it is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána to police the situation, and my Department has engaged with them on this issue”, he said.

He added: “In terms of addressing these challenges in the longer term, as the Deputy will be aware, for the last several years, the Department of Defence has been working in co-operation with Kildare County Council on the Curragh Consultancy Project, seeking to develop a suitable future management method.”

The reply concluded: “The Conservation Management Plan report arising from this process has identified a number of measures for consideration, including a recommendation for a review of the Curragh Bye-Laws and the Curragh of Kildare Act, with a view to identifying possible amendments that could potentially provide more effective solutions to the issues of illegal encampments and other anti-social behaviour.

“I remain fully committed to pursuing a modern and sustainable regulatory model in managing the historically important landscape that is the Curragh.”

According to the Tanaiste, an external firm is contracted to remove waste stemming from these illegal encampments, for which the cost for these clean-ups for the most recent year, ending December 31 2024, was €185,944,94.