Kildare's Curragh Plains 'being defined by illegal encampments', Dáil hears
Kildare South Labour TD, Mark Wall raised the issue in the Dáil this week
A Kildare South Labour TD has slammed recent illegal occupation of the Curragh Plains, claiming the area is “being defined by illegal encampments.”
Deputy Mark Wall told the Dáil that the Curragh Plains – on 4,870 acres of historic land - is home to our Defence Forces, a large number of sheep farmers, and a number of “magnificent” sports clubs.
He said that along with other Oireachtas colleagues, he has been raising concerns about the growing number of illegal encampments on the Curragh.
“Unfortunately, over the last number of weeks we have seen, once again, a large number of caravans in an illegal encampment”, Deputy Wall told the Dáil.
“At one stage the numbers rose to over 100. We also saw the imposition of circus tents on the Curragh. The Curragh is a magnificent facility that is used by many people from the towns of Newbridge, Kildare town, Kilcullen and all the surrounding areas of County Kildare, yet we are being defined by illegal encampments.
“What I am asking for tonight, and I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, has some answers for us, is that the Government will finally realise the importance of the Curragh of Kildare, that the Government will enact the Curragh Plains conservation management plan strategy, and that we will see an entity such as a dedicated agency taking it over.”
Minister of State, Robert Troy (FF), responding to Deputy Wall stated that the Department of Defence has engaged regularly with the Chief State Solicitor's Office to ensure that all legal steps are taken to protect the plains.
The Department initiated legal proceedings in April in the High Court, he added, and in the preceding months a number of other parties were served with notices and added to the proceedings before the court.
The Minister of State said that the government is committed to the implementation of all recommendations to address the issues facing the Curragh Plains.
Department officials are continuing to engage with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), he added, which has led to “a very positive engagement.”
“I thank the Deputy again for raising this matter and would like to assure him that it is the Department’s intention to ensure that the Curragh Plains, as an important element of our shared heritage, are protected into the future, while also ensuring maximum benefit to the local population and to those who come to visit the area”, he concluded.