O’Loughlin Receives Confirmation of Scoping Exercise for Dedicated Curragh Agency

Fianna Fáil Senator for Kildare South, Fiona O’Loughlin, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Defence that an initial scoping exercise has been undertaken into the establishment of a dedicated agency to oversee the management and protection of the Curragh.

 

The confirmation came during a Seanad debate initiated by Senator O'Loughlin on the ongoing challenges facing the Curragh, including repeated illegal encampments and the environmental and economic impact on the historic plains.

 

In a statement delivered on behalf of the Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, the Department confirmed that officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have undertaken an initial assessment of the likely requirements for such a body.

 

The statement said:

 

“The report identified the need to consider a dedicated agency responsible for the Curragh or to assign responsibility for the site to an existing agency with the necessary expertise to maximise the potential of the plains.

 

“The Government is committed to the implementation of these recommendations to address both the opportunities and challenges, as can be seen by its inclusion in the Programme for Government. To this end, Department officials are continuing to engage with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which has undertaken an initial scoping of the likely requirements.”

 

The Minister also confirmed that officials from the Department of Defence and the NPWS met at the Curragh on 17th of June and conducted a tour of the plains.

 

“I am informed that this was a very positive engagement and that the appropriate next steps will be identified in the near future,” the statement said.

 

Senator O’Loughlin said the confirmation represents an important step towards a more sustainable management structure for the Curragh.

 

Speaking in the Seanad, she highlighted the latest illegal encampment on the plains, which she said involved between 80 and 100 caravans.

 

“The situation in the Curragh is absolutely appalling,” Senator O’Loughlin said.

 

“In recent years I have repeatedly raised, along with many others, the issue of illegal encampments on the Curragh. The latest encampment has seen between 80 and 100 caravans on the plains.

 

“There is a significant environmental impact and a real risk of degradation of the fragile Curragh ecosystem, which is hugely important. There is also considerable disruption for local communities and stakeholders.”

 

“There is real concern among trainers about bringing horses onto the plains, about rubbish that could injure animals, and about the welfare of animals, including dogs and horses,” she said.

 

Senator O’Loughlin also noted that approximately €180,000 was recently spent on the removal of rubble from the site and pointed to damage caused to greens at Cill Dara Golf Club.

 

The Department of Defence confirmed that several illegal encampments have occurred on the Curragh this year, including one involving approximately 100 caravans.

 

The Department stated that it does not accept that those occupying the encampments have any right to reside on the Curragh Plains and said it continues to work with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office to ensure that all appropriate legal steps are taken to protect the area.

 

The Government’s commitment to reviewing the Curragh by-laws and the Curragh of Kildare Act, alongside consideration of new governance structures, follows recommendations contained in the Curragh consultancy project published in 2024.