'Protecting the future of the Curragh is a top priority for me' says Kildare Senator

Fiona O’Loughlin has met with senior officials in the Department of Defence and directly with the Tanaiste in relation to the repeated issues facing the Curragh Plains

Newbridge Senator, and Fianna Fáil’s sole General Election candidate in Kildare South, Fiona O’Loughlin has met with senior officials in the Department of Defence and directly with the Tanaiste in relation to the repeated issues facing the Curragh Plains.

O’Loughlin said, “I was pleased to get the opportunity to brief the Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Micheal Martin TD on my private members bill, the Curragh of Kildare Amendment Bill 2022. This bill seeks to tackle the perennial issue of illegal encampments on the Curragh Plains. “

“The Tanaiste is well aware of the ongoing issues and most especially the challenges we have faced this summer. The Tanaiste is investigating legislative options to tackle this issue.”

Following this engagement, a meeting was held between Senior Department of Defence officials to again ensure that they were continuing their work in terms of tackling illegal encampments and ensuring long term protections for the Curragh.

O'Loughlin added, “We agreed that the current Curragh Act is not fit for purpose, that new legislation is needed in the area and that perhaps another agency should take over the management and protection of the Curragh to ensure that it gets the expertise and time required to protect it sufficiently.”

The Tanaiste is expected to make his views known on the issue on the coming weeks.