Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
79. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the actions being taken to prevent illegal dumping on the Curragh plains; if ways to improve this issue are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33337/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, there is a team of Land Staff (the Curragh Maor and two Fó-Mhaor) employed by my Department to assist with the management of the Curragh Plains including but not limited to a programme of work dealing with litter, sheep branding, patrolling boundaries, monitoring users of the lands and illegal encampments.
In addition to the permanent land management team, an environmental maintenance contract is also in place to deal with matters such as the collection of all rubbish dumped on Curragh lands including its removal to an approved waste facility.
My Department is also committed to involvement with Kildare County Council regarding plans for the future management of the Curragh. Both the Department of Defence and Kildare County Council are cognisant of the need to ensure the conservation of this ancient landscape. In that regard, my Department is considering the procurement with the Local Authority of a multidisciplinary consultancy team to explore ways and find opportunities through which the area can be uniquely identified and also scope out the development potential of the area as a high value visitor attraction.
