Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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149. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has engaged with the Department of Education and Skills with regard to the need to upgrade schools on the Curragh Camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29530/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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My Department is not currently engaged in formal negotiations with the Department of Education and Skills in relation to school provision and accommodation requirements for the existing schools in the Curragh Camp. I am advised that my officials have recently had informal discussions on the range of matters to be considered in relation to the planning for school provision at post primary level in the general area. While the planning for and provision of school accommodation is primarily a  matter for the Minister for Education and Skills, my Department is open to discussions with that  Department in relation to the future planning provision for schools in that area.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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150. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the establishment of a new lands management team and a new environmental maintenance contract for the Curragh plains; the work ongoing to identify suitable locations for car parking spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29531/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The recruitment process for the appointment of a new lands management team will continue in 2018 and as part of this team a new Curragh Maor was recently appointed. This team will oversee all activities on the ground including, but not limited to, littering, sheep branding, patrolling, monitoring users of lands, inspection of property boundaries, illegal encampments and engagement with the public. 

In relation to the award of a new environmental maintenance contract for the Curragh, I can advise that it is my Department's intention to commence this procurement process in the coming months.

Preliminary work has been undertaken in identifying suitable locations for the construction of car parking facilities on  the Curragh plains. Further detailed  work on the design and associated costings will be progressed as part of my Department's infrastructural programme.