Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 827: To ask the Minister for Defence his views in relation to a submission (details supplied); if permission has been sought or granted in relation to any of the stated tracks; if not, the action that has been taken or is proposed to be taken to prevent such damage to the stated areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11703/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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A submission was received by my Department on 19 March concerning difficulties being encountered by residents adjacent to the Curragh particularly in relation to unauthorised use of motorbikes.

Permission has not been sought or granted concerning the use of motorbikes on the lands owned by my Department at the Curragh and my Department is aware of the danger and possible damage being caused. Officials from my Department have, in the past been in contact with an Garda Síochána to prevent occurrences of this nature but due to the vast size of the Curragh it is not possible for it to be controlled all the time.

My Department is committed to safe-guarding the Curragh to the greatest extent possible with the limited resources available. To this end officials from my Department will contact an Garda Síochána to ascertain how best to prevent anti-social behaviour occurring there. It would be of great assistance if any member of the public who becomes aware of such behaviour would contact an Garda Síochána immediately.