Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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426. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the dates on which the Curragh forum has met over the past three years; the details of its work programme; if there have been recent developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28862/20]

Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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427. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the most recent meeting of the Curragh forum; the areas addressed and actions taken arising from the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28863/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 426 and 427 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Curragh Forum was established to provide an opportunity for key stakeholders to consider and progress a wide range of issues regarding the use and management of the Curragh Plains. On the last occasion when the Forum met in January 2018 it was attended by representatives of Kildare County Council, the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, the Curragh Racecourse Limited, Horse Racing Ireland, and the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association.

As a result of these discussions, Kildare County Council produced an indicative 'Vision' document for the Curragh Plains. Since then my Department together with Kildare County Council has agreed to jointly fund a Consultancy Study to fully scope out the issues arising and make recommendations for the future management strategy for the Curragh. Following a competitive procurement process, a multidisciplinary team has been appointed to examine current and future challenges for the area, in the context of the management and conservation of the Plains, including any scope for the developmental potential of the area as a high value visitor and cultural amenity attraction.

The work of the multidisciplinary team, which was appointed in 2020, is on going. I am advised part of this study will include a public consultation process scheduled to commence early 2021.