Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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306. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to report on a proposed hazardous waste incinerator at Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour which is close to the naval headquarters and operational base on Haulbowline Island; the impacts such an incinerator would have on Naval and Air Corps operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14058/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Defence, following consultation with the Air Corps and the Naval Service, recently made an oral submission to An Bord Pleanála regarding the proposed development of the waste to energy facility in Ringaskiddy. The submission identified two areas of concern, the proximity of the incinerator stack to Haulbowline and the difficulties in the evacuation of the island if necessitated by an incident at the incinerator facility.

The proximity of the stack of the waste-to-energy facility to the helicopter approach paths of Haulbowline Naval Base and Spike Island is a matter of concern due to the fact that this stack will be emitting significant amounts of exhaust gases and is seen by the Department as a potential hazard as it may in certain conditions render approaches by Air Corps helicopters into and out of Haulbowline Island as unsafe.

The second area of concern is due to the fact that Haulbowline Island is accessed by a bridge which is connected to the Ringaskiddy Road.  The proposed incinerator is to be built adjacent to this road, before Haulbowline.  Therefore, in the event of any accident at the incinerator, road access to and from Haulbowline is threatened.  This could in some instances hinder the operation of the Naval Base or in the event of a major incident necessitating local area evacuation, the evacuation of Haulbowline would be denied.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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307. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the powers the Military Police have on areas of the Curragh, County Kildare, where illegal camping may occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14093/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, 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. My Officials report all incidents of illegal encampments on the Curragh Plains to An Garda Síochána as soon as they are made aware of them. In the first four months of this year my Department has already spent approximately €99,744 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. 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.

The use of the Curragh lands is addressed in Bye-Laws dating back to 1964. My department is currently seeking legal advice on the interpretation of the provisions of the Bye-Laws.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that while it can prove difficult to fully prevent illegal camping on the Curragh Plains every effort is being taken to address the situation and protect this valuable amenity.