Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2023
147. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the requirements military officials must comply with in order to close local roads on the Curragh, County Kildare; if these requirements have changed in the past three years; the consequences for anyone defying the order to access their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6249/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that the closure of roads on Defence owned lands during the course of operational and training activities is carried out pursuant to Section 274 of the Defence Act 1954, which provides that in any area specified in a manoeuvres (authorisation) order or in the vicinity of any place used for artillery, rifle, bombing or other army, naval or air practices, the officer in command of the portion of the Defence Forces engaged in the manoeuvres or in such practices may temporarily stop all traffic by land or water in that area or in the vicinity of that place so far as in his opinion may be necessary for the security of life and the proper conduct of the manoeuvres or such practices.
There has been no change to these long standing provisions. I am further advised by the military authorities that no person is denied access to their home by the closure of local roads in such instances.
