Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019
108. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the work ongoing to identify suitable locations for car parking spaces on the Curragh; his plans to address antisocial behaviour on the land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41862/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Defence, pursuant to the provisions of the Curragh of Kildare Act 1961, I am the custodian and guardian of the Curragh Plains. I believe it is important to bear in mind, as recognised in the aforementioned Act, that the Curragh Plains is a working environment as well as being a place of historical, environmental and cultural importance. Sheep grazing and horse racing are centuries-old practices on Curragh lands and in addition the entire Plains are a working facility for the Defence Forces. As a place of work for those named groups and a high value amenity in terms of ecological and historical importance, I am very aware of the requirement to balance the needs of all parties when it comes to the ongoing management of the Curragh Plains.
As the Deputy is aware, there has been an increase in the team of Lands Staff employed by my Department to assist with the management of the Curragh Plains. This increase has provided a greater presence on the ground to monitor the users of the Plains, I am advised that the Lands Staff have a good working relationship with An Garda Siochána who are called upon to deal with incidences of antisocial behaviour. The Deputy may wish to note that a recent competitive tendering process was concluded by my Department. As a result a new environmental management contract was recently entered into and the Lands Staff will be engaged directly with the contractors in relation to the operation of this contract. In relation to future infrastructure provision and services, my Department continues to engage regularly with Kildare County Council on many and various local issues in relation to the Plains including the future management of the Curragh Plains.
