Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the proposed changes to laws and regulations to deal with illegal dumping on the Curragh Plains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35676/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Legislation regarding illegal dumping is primarily a matter in the first instance for the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

There are a wide range of challenges and issues to be addressed when dealing with the Curragh which is approximately 4,870 acres in area and is one of the most open and accessible areas in the country.

The Curragh Forum agreed that a review of the Curragh Bye-Laws and the Curragh of Kildare Act would be timely, with a view to identifying possible amendments that could potentially provide more effective solutions to the issues of illegal encampments, illegal dumping, illegal parking and other key issues.

The response to illegal dumping is managed by the Department land staff and our environmental maintenance contractor in cooperation with the County Kildare Litter Warden, and in line with the obligations of the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 - 2009. As I have alluded to previously, given the size and openness of the Curragh Plains it is difficult to prevent this activity. However, it is dealt with expeditiously once it has been identified.