Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for the absence of the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence. I thank Senator O'Loughlin for raising the very important matter of the future management and protection of the Curragh plains. The Tánaiste would also like to reassure the House that the future management and protection of the unique biodiversity of the Curragh plains, coupled with its importance from a military perspective and its long-standing association with agricultural and horse-racing industries, is not lost on him. The importance of the 5,000 acres of unique grassland as a place of significant natural beauty that should be protected for generations to come is, thankfully, a principle accepted by all, near to and far from the Curragh plains.

To that end, the Department of Defence, together with Kildare County Council, embarked on a unique collaboration aimed at finding a way forward and addressing the many challenges involved in managing and developing the plains. I readily acknowledge that Senator O'Loughlin has been very supportive of this initiative, which involves two State agencies working together to map a way forward for what has proved to be a complex case study. The key objectives of the study are to implement best practice methodologies to protect the landscape, caring for its natural qualities and uniqueness by balancing the needs of its multiple users; and to identity the potential to improve the recreational and educational value of the Curragh as a resource for local people while increasing visitor numbers on a sustainable basis.

A public consultation process was commenced in March 2021, which, given Covid restrictions, was conducted through the Curragh plains website. The response, as the Senator will be aware, was phenomenal. Over 3,600 responses were received, demonstrating the strength of feeling about the Curragh plains. This was followed by a series of targeted virtual workshops with the various stakeholders, including several Members of both Houses as well as local councillors. I thank them for their participation. This process concluded late last year with a wrap-up consultation to ensure the findings reached are reflective of people's wishes and hopes for the Curragh. It is accepted that the overall study has taken longer to complete for a number of reasons. However, the overarching goal for both the Department and the council was and is to get it right rather than just get it done.

I am advised that the final drafting of the study has been effectively concluded among officials and it is now intended that a draft consultation management plan aimed at managing the protection of the Curragh plains, coupled with a branding and interpretative plan aimed at increasing awareness of the importance of the plains and respect from those visiting and using them, will be submitted to the Tánaiste for consideration in the coming weeks. I am advised that these reports, taken together, combine a wide range of recommendations, some of which can be implemented if agreed on in the short term, versus those that may require structural changes to governance of the Curragh plains up to and including possible amendment of the Curragh of Kildare Act 1961.

I thank Senator O'Loughlin for raising this matter. I look forward to any additional comments she would like to make.