Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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144. To ask the Minister for Defence his Department's policy position on addressing the problem of unauthorised encampments on the Curragh Plains in County Kildare; if he is aware of the growing frequency of such encampments; if he has any proposal to tackle the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27989/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As you may be aware the management and protection of the Curragh Plains, one of the most open and accessible areas in the Country, is an ongoing process which is the responsibility of my Department.

I am fully aware of the ongoing problems of illegal camping and the misuse of the Curragh Plains. In the first five months of this year my Department has already spent approximately €113,500 on the maintenance of the Curragh Plains which includes the clean-up operations following illegal camping and dumping.

Under Section 19C of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, as inserted by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002, it is an offence for a person to enter on and occupy property without the consent of the owner. Under the provisions of the Act An Garda Síochána have the power, without warrant, to arrest a person who fails to leave when requested and seize anything they bring onto the property in question e.g. caravans. Penalties for persons found guilty of an offence under this Part of the Act include fines not exceeding €3,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding one month or both.

My Officials report all incidents of illegal encampments on the Curragh Plains to the An Garda Síochána as soon as they are made aware of them.

While you will appreciate that it can prove difficult to fully prevent such activities every effort is being taken to address the situation and protect the valuable amenity that is the Curragh.