Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
155. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the up-to-date position with the Curragh Plains consultation; the next steps in the process and the time frames involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2853/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Minister with responsibility for Defence, I am the custodian and guardian of the Curragh lands pursuant to the provisions of the Curragh of Kildare Act, 1961. I believe it is important to bear this in mind, as under that Act, the Curragh Plains is recognised as a working environment for the state's Defence Forces as well as being a place of historical and cultural importance.
Recognising the importance of the Plains, my Department entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Kildare County Council in June 2020 to carry out a consultation process to on the future management and presentation of the Curragh Plains. Under this formal Agreement, the County Council acted as the contracting authority for the procurement of Paul Hogarth Consultants to oversee this project.
This process commenced in March 2021 with a series of successful public and thematic consultations, leading to the development of a draft Conservation Management Plan and draft Interpretation & Branding Plan. I am advised that my officials had broadly signed off on these drafts in early 2023. Subsequently and without any prior consultation, Kildare County Council indicated that they had decided not to proceed with the project. My Department has written to the local authority looking for a formal confirmation of same and the rationale for this approach.
As the County Council are the contracting authority on this project, I am not in a position to comment further in the absence of the awaited response to my Department.
