New plan on Curragh Plains to be published "in coming weeks" - Minister

Meeting discusses challenges in relation to illegal encampments

A new plan on the future management of the Curragh Plains is expected to be published in coming weeks, according to Minister of State Martin Heydon.

Mr Heydon said he attended a meeting on the issue on Wednesday last with senior officials in the Department of Defence at Leinster House.

He said: “I have received a number of complaints this summer and in previous years regarding the difficulties caused by a number of illegal encampments on the Curragh and this meeting was a good opportunity for me and other public representatives to discuss these challenges and further plans for active management of the Curragh Plains.

“In 2021 I worked with then Minister for Defence Simon Coveney on a project to establish a conservation management plan for the Curragh Plains in conjunction with Kildare County Council. I have continuously pushed for this plan to be completed and published as soon as possible, following two rounds of public consultation. The process has taken too long but yesterday we were informed that the plan will be completed in the coming weeks.

“I look forward to its publication. This plan can be the roadmap for a more proactively managed plains, bringing all who use the plains with us, very possibly under the authority of a different agency which could be the OPW, the NPWS or a new body. The management of the plains in the future will require more resources and a specific skillset for managing a very special 5,000 acres of land at the heart of Kildare.

“I will continue to actively fight for those resources and a new approach for everyone who lives near it, or who uses it for sport, recreation, work or for those who see it a really important national asset that needs to be managed better."

“I welcome the proactive efforts of the Department of Defence and Kildare County Council on progressing a Conservation Management Plan for the Curragh Plains, with completion expected in the coming weeks.

Independent TD Cathal Berry said that since being elected, he has actively advocated for National Park status for the Curragh Plains, and firmly believes ownership should be transferred to a more appropriate state agency to ensure its proper management.

He added: "The illegal encampments that affected the area over the summer were deeply concerning and far worse than any previous year. I was in regular communication with the Defence organisation and many constituents during this time. 

"The Curragh is a wonderful amenity on our doorstep, and we must safeguard it for future generations. It is vital that we move forward now to ensure these lands are protected once and for all.”

Newbridge Senator Fiona O'Loughlin said she also 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.

“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."