Legislative Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2010

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Ceisteanna (454)

Jack Wall

Ceist:

477 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence his plans to reactivate the Curragh of Kildare legislation; if not, his plans regarding the stated area; the progress that has been made since the legislation was withdrawn; the meetings that have taken place and with whom; the results of such meetings; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of interested groups, commercial community and historical regarding the future of the area; if he or his Department has met with any such groups or any local groups in relation to such concerns; if his Department has met or is proposing to meet with local authority in relation to the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30204/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence (Deputy Tony Killeen)

There are no plans at present to proceed with the legislation in question, the primary focus of which was to set up a separate statutory authority to manage the Curragh lands. A separate statutory authority would give rise to additional costs in terms of staff and accommodation, which cannot be justified in the current economic climate.

I have recently met with the Kildare Archaeological Society and their concerns have been noted. In addition, officials from the Department are continuing to meet interest groups concerning the management of the Curragh. I consider the input from local groups to be very important in the context of seeking to ensure best practice in the management of the Curragh lands into the future.