Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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68. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the work of the Curragh forum; when it last met and is next due to meet; if progress has been made on agreeing a work programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23327/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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At the last meeting of the Curragh Forum on the 29 October 2016, several actions were agreed by the members of the Forum to assist in addressing a number of the problems in the Curragh. In line with agreed actions, a review of the Curragh Bye-Laws and the Curragh of Kildare Act is progressing with a view to identifying what amendments can possibly be made to provide greater powers to deal with the issues of illegal encampments, illegal dumping, illegal parking and the other key issues identified by the Forum.

In addition, my officials have recently introduced revised procedures regarding the branding and documenting of sheep grazing on the Curragh Plains. These changes will assist in having greater control of the numbers of sheep grazing. Actions to address over grazing will also be progressed in 2017.

Plans are being prepared to facilitate progress of a number of other agreed actions including signage and the development of facilities on the Curragh environs. There are currently no dates agreed for further meetings but my officials are available to meet with members of the Forum to discuss key issues as they arise.