Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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14. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the coordination that has taken place in the management of the Curragh Plains since the establishment of the Curragh forum and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33933/16]

Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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My question concerns the Curragh Plains Representative Forum, for which I was full of hope. I was led to believe that it would bring all the stakeholders in Kildare and the Curragh together for the greater good of the public in Kildare while improving the lot of those who live, work and have leisure time in the Curragh. My question is based on the description that was given in the plans. There have been two scheduled meetings that I am aware of, one on 8 March and the other on 19 July. I inquired about the agenda and topics relating to those meetings of the forum but received rather bland answers on each occasion.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Curragh Plains Representative 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 race horse trainers and Kildare County Council. The forum will also consider representations 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, over grazing and the ongoing management and maintenance of the Curragh Plains. At the most recent meeting, a number of measures were agreed by the members of the forum to assist in addressing these issues. I am well aware of the many issues which need to be addressed in the context of the day-to-day management and use of the Curragh Plains. 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 greatly assist in the identification and implementation of solutions to the problems which need to be addressed.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State. I would appreciate the opportunity to see what arose from the meeting on 27 October. I am delighted that the serious issues of illegal camping and dumping were high on the agenda. I had asked that two issues be addressed. I had asked that ambulance cover for jockeys riding out on the Curragh be included, but my request was refused. Jockeys and workers in the horseracing sector experience injuries during their employment. The other issue about suitable notification for road closures due to firing on the rifle ranges has yet to be resolved. Has there been any discussion on those issues and, if so, have there been any achievements or resolutions to date?

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Illegal camping and dumping were very high on the agenda. The Deputy has raised the issues with me previously as has Deputy Heydon. I have asked that the forum would specifically look into these ongoing problems on the Curragh plains.

The Deputy spoke about the horseracing sector and horses being ridden out on the Curragh Plains. I am not sure if that was discussed at the last meeting, but I will get back to the Deputy to let her know.

The Deputy previously spoke to me about road closures around the rifle range area. I do not want to be flippant in saying this, but this is the middle of the Curragh and residents understand that on occasions the roads have to be closed. I have asked the Defence Forces to communicate through social media, in local newspapers and on local radio to inform the general public if they are to close roads.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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While I accept that, the issue is about adequate notice for residents in the area.

I believe there is a strong will to achieve something positive with the Curragh amenity. I have spoken to many of the stakeholders involved who have great enthusiasm for developing the plains and making them a strong natural feature. I acknowledge the help of Department of Defence officials regarding the issues I raise. If the Curragh were designated as an NHA, it would be afforded legal protection by underpinning the existing Curragh of Kildare Acts and its current designation as a recorded monument under the National Monuments Act. The addition of an interpretive centre and visitor points would greatly enhance the tourism potential. Allocated parking areas would also help to reduce the random uncontrolled traffic on the plains.

I firmly believe the Curragh Plains should be designated as a national park under the natural heritage area guidelines as they meet all the criteria. Has the forum ever discussed how this could be achieved or if the archaic legislation governing the plains could be revised?

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I would be very careful about recommending that the plains be designated as an NHA because we need to avoid over-regulation of the Curragh Plains which is a recreational area where people can enjoy themselves. There is potential for a number of quick wins that do not cost any money by updating the by-laws where necessary for the protection of the Curragh, putting in place processes for the reporting of breaches of any of the by-laws, and working with An Garda Síochána, the local authority and the Defence Forces organisation there.

I believe in the development of facilities in the Curragh Plains for the use of the public. I pass through the Curragh going to Newbridge once a week or once every ten days and I can see how important the Curragh Plains are to the public. I would love to have such a recreational area in my county of Wexford.

I take on board the Deputy's concerns, which will be registered with the Defence Forces. I will come back to the Deputy regarding jockeys riding out.