'What’s that, a circus? Huge encampment of caravans appears on Curragh in Kildare
There is a huge amount of concern and speculation by Kildare locals surrounding a massive encampment set up in the Curragh
There is a huge amount of confusion, anger and attention in Kildare over photos showing a huge encampment of tents and caravans on the plains of the Curragh, near Newbridge.
There is widespread speculation on what the purpose of this encampment is and whether or not it should be allowed to happen.
Kildare TD Sean O'Fearghail posted a status on Facebook expressing his displeasure at seeing the encampment at the Curragh after returning from a trip abroad.
The former Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil said: “RESPECT?? My siblings and I were reared to respect our fellow man in all its rich diversity. My wife and I raised our family to respect others, whatever their ethnicity or origins, to respect the law of the land and to respect the environment that we have inherited.
“When I returned from business abroad today and saw some of the scenes which are depicted here, RESPECT certainly was not a word that came to mind.
“What we have on the Curragh this week is an afront to the courts, to the people of Kildare, and to our rich natural heritage.
“Having acknowledged the speed with which Ministers have moved in recent times and are moving to secure court orders to remove illegal encampments, I must admit today to being profoundly embarrassed that the government which I support has not yet brought forward the legislation which is absolutely essential to protect the Curragh.
“The political battle will have to be stepped up. For the purposes of clarity, neither the Gardaí or the army can turn up on the Curragh and disperse these encampments without having a secure legal basis for such action, hence the current need to secure court orders.
“If the Curragh was more appropriately designated in legislation, e.g. as a national park, the situation would be different. Who could imagine what’s been going on in the Curragh happening at the Lakes of Killarney or in the Phoenix Park?.”
According to a large number of comments, the settlement is a Christian camp that settle in various places for a certain amount of time to pray and then leave once they are finished. In previous years, the group gathered at Mayfield, near Monasterevin in Kildare.
One person said: “ Sean, with respect, many of the people gathered on the Curragh are attending a long-established Christian event and cultural gathering, not engaging in criminal activity.
“If individuals are breaking laws, then those specific issues should be dealt with appropriately, but it is unfair to paint an entire community with the same brush.
“You speak about respect, yet respect should work both ways. Many of these families are law-abiding people who contribute to society, attend church, raise families, and take pride in their traditions.
“From those who attend, it is widely reported that they clean up after themselves and leave the area in good condition. The Curragh has a long historical association with such gatherings, and cultural and religious traditions deserve consideration alongside environmental concerns.
“It is possible to protect the land while also respecting the people who gather there. Constructive dialogue is far more productive than language that risks portraying an entire community as a problem. Respect should extend to everyone, including those whose traditions may be different from our own”.
Other people agreed with Sean, with one person who said: “ What’s that a circus? “ and another who said: “ I agree with you, Mr. O' Fearghail something needs to be done ASAP thank you.”
Another pointed out that the Curragh is not a free campsite for people to use as they wish.