Illegal encampments on this Kildare site 'like Groundhog Day', Seanad hears
Senator Fiona O'Loughlin (FF) was speaking on the issue this week
A Fianna Fáil senator has described as being “like Groundhog Day” the ongoing problem of illegal encampments on the Curragh Plains in Co Kildare.
Senator Fiona O'Loughlin was addressing Minister of State, Deputy Jerry Buttimer in the Seanad on May 13 2026.
Senator O'Loughlin said that once again, she found herself expressing the “frustration” of people in the area who are impacted.
The issue is something she had spoken about “many times” in the Seanad and in the Lower House, she said.
Senator O'Loughlin said: “I know the Minister of State passes the Curragh on a weekly basis going to and coming from Cork. It is one of the most important and historic natural amenities in our country. It is deeply valued by the people of County Kildare and holds enormous environmental, sporting, military and cultural significance.
“Families, walkers, runners, local sporting clubs, golfers and the wider community cherish the Curragh and take enormous pride in it. It is of course the home of the military and of Curragh racing, as well as many trainers and sheep farmers.”
Unfortunately, the Senator said, illegal encampments on the Curragh have become a recurring issue, causing “serious concern and frustration” among those who use the plains.
She added: “In 2020, we had 19 encampments and bear in mind, an encampment can be anything up to 40 caravans. In 2021, there were 13; in 2022, there were 20; in 2023, there were 15; and in 2024, there were 25 encampments. The waste removal costs the taxpayer approximately €200,000 on an annual basis. That is a very significant sum of money.”
According to the Fianna Fáil senator, “excellent work” was carried out between Kildare County Council and the Department of Defence on the future of the Curragh Plains.
She pointed out that 3,500 respondents wrote in about their concerns about the Curragh.
The senator said: “It is not just the visual appearance of the encampments that happen as there are major safety concerns. There have been reports of significant damage to the local golf club, and I have seen photographs of that.
“There has been dangerous and illegal driving of vehicles across the Curragh. There is, again, the large quantities of waste and rubbish.”
A clear update on the management strategy for the Curragh was required, Senator O'Loughlin concluded.