Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Deputy's concerns in this area. As she is aware, the Curragh forum was established to enable key stakeholders of the Curragh plains to meet and contribute to the ongoing management, protection and future development of the plains. Membership of the forum, which is chaired by the Department of Defence, includes representatives from the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, the Curragh Racecourse, Curragh racehorse trainers and Kildare County Council. The forum also considers inputs from other representative groups of stakeholders and interested parties, as required.

To date, there have been three meetings of the forum, the most recent of which was held on 27 October. Issues discussed have included illegal encampments, illegal parking, dumping, overgrazing and the ongoing management and maintenance of the Curragh plains. At the most recent meeting, a number of actions were agreed by the members of the forum to assist in addressing these issues. They include the updating of by-laws, where necessary, for the protection of the Curragh; putting formal processes in place for the reporting and processing of breaches of the by-laws and civil law on the Curragh, to include prosecutions etc. where appropriate; a memorandum of understanding to be agreed for actions between the responsible parties, including the Defence Forces organisation, the Garda and the local authority; possible development of facilities on the Curragh plains for use by the public; and development of educational programmes to ensure users of the Curragh are aware of its uniqueness and the practices necessary to protect it.

I am well aware of the many issues that need to be addressed in the context of the day-to-day management and use of the Curragh plains and consequently I am supportive and appreciative of the work being undertaken by the forum. I am confident that in working together, the members of the forum will provide the resolve and expertise to assist greatly in the identification and implementation of solutions to the problems that need to be addressed.

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