Vol. 569 No. 4
159 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence his plans to develop the Curragh plains and protect the monuments on same; his plans to provide signage to highlight such important monuments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17985/03]
The main recommendation contained in the interdepartmental task force report on the future management and development of the Curragh of Kildare is that a statutory body should be established under the aegis of the Department of Defence to manage the Curragh, with the exception of the Curragh Camp. The necessary legislation to give effect to this, and to other recommendations of the task force report, is being prepared at present and it is expected that heads of Bills will shortly be submitted for the approval of Government.
My Department will continue to protect the archaeological sites and monuments situated in the Curragh Plains until the new authority is established within the legislation currently being drafted in my Department. The entire area of the Curragh under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994 is a recorded national monument. My Department ensures that the terms of the 1994 Act are adhered to before any works, alterations or signage are permitted.
