Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for Defence if his Department has received requests from Kildare County Council for special funding towards the cost of providing sheep grids on all public access roads to the Curragh Plains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5867/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Kildare County Council approached my Department in 2001 concerning a proposal being considered by the council at that time to install sheep grids and horse gates on all public access roads to the Curragh. In developing this proposal the council identified 23 locations where grids or gates would be required and sought a contribution from my Department towards the costs of any such works. The estimated cost was in excess of €1 million.

The Department informed Kildare County Council that it was not agreeable to providing such funding. Responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of public access roads to the Curragh rests with Kildare County Council. In addition, it is the position of the Department that the question of the keeping of sheep on the Curragh is a matter for the sheep rights owners.