Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. In regard to the post-primary school for the Curragh area, I absolutely accept it must work for the Defence Forces and senior management. I have spoken to the Curragh Camp's general officer commanding about it. I believe both can work in harmony. Another key project that would see huge investment and development at the Curragh is the peace and leadership institute referred to in the White Paper. It is a key development. It would highlight and develop all the Defence Forces' key capabilities concerning peacekeeping around the world. It could be a key centre and bring a huge benefit to the Curragh community, the greater Newbridge community and Kildare because of the activity and visitors it would bring to the area. This is a key investment in the Curragh area with which we need to proceed.

I have consistently been in contact with the Minister of State in regard to the Curragh Plains. We need to get his officials together with those of Kildare County Council. This has dragged on for too long. I have written to the Minister of State on this previously. I ask that he and I arrange a meeting together to examine how we can advance those plans. Kildare County Council is very open to a partnership approach. We need to see this happen.

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