Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2016
573. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures the Curragh forum is taking to ensure the safety of livestock legally grazing on the Curragh plains in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14450/16]
View answerAs you are aware the management and protection of the Curragh Plains, one of the most open and accessible areas in the Country, is an ongoing process.
On 8 March 2016 the first meeting of the newly established Curragh Plains Representative Forum was held. The meeting was chaired by the Department of Defence and was attended by invited representatives from the Defence Forces, an Garda Síochána, Curragh Racecourse, Curragh Racehorse Trainers and Kildare County Council. The purpose of the Forum is to provide an opportunity for the consideration/progress of a wide range of issues regarding the use and management of the Curragh Plains. Issues to be considered include the development and protection of the Curragh Plains and how best to deal with the many day to day issues arising from the management of the Curragh including but not limited to illegal parking, illegal encampments, dumping and environmental protection.
The 1870 Curragh of Kildare Act awarded the right to graze sheep free of charge on the Curragh on the basis of common of pasture, in respect of lands adjacent to the Curragh. The current bye-laws which were made in 1964 deal mainly with the management of sheep and depasturing of sheep. Animals other than sheep are not permitted to graze on the Curragh. Sheep grazing rights are not transferable apart from the occupation of the lands in respect of which they were awarded. There are currently 6,013 rights, which are owned by approximately 150 landowners and utilised by about 30 flock owners. These rights may be exercised over all lands other than those occupied by the military at the Curragh Camp (The Brown Lands) and the area enclosed at the Racecourse.
The owners of the sheep are responsible for the welfare of their animals while grazing them on the Curragh and must also comply with the provisions of the 1964 bye-laws.
