Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Range No. 3 is a rifle range within the Curragh Camp and since March 2016 the Defence Forces have resumed training on this range. This has resulted in the occasional temporary closure by the Defence Forces of the Hollow Road.

The temporary road closures are required as part of strict control and safety measures put in place by the Defence Forces to ensure public safety during the firing of live ammunition on Range No. 3. These occasional temporary road closures by the Defence Forces are in accordance with the provisions of section 274 of the Defence Act 1954, as amended. This provides the Defence Forces with the powers to temporarily stop all traffic in the vicinity of any place used for rifle practices.

I have been advised by the military authorities that signage is temporarily erected at either end of the Hollow Road and Brownstown on the day prior to the required closure. This gives advance notice of the date and duration of the proposed road closure and alerts local residents and road users of the need to take alternative detour routes. Military officials are on duty at either end of the Hollow Road during the road closures to control the traffic and to advise users of the alternative routes. In addition, the military authorities have advised that red warning flags are flown while firing is being conducted, and warning lights are activated in the centre of the Curragh Camp outside of the water tower, in full view of the public, as further safety and information notification measures.

It is acknowledged that the occasional temporary closure of the Hollow Road may be an inconvenience for some local residents. My officials are engaging with the Defence Forces to identify other additional methods of ensuring that users of the Hollow Road are made aware of the road closures in advance, for example, publication of closure dates on the Defence Forces website and possible announcements on local radio to ensure that any future inconvenience is kept to a minimum.

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