Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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161. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit have policies in place to install artificial structures that provide shelter and habitat space for wild species such as, but not limited to, insect hotels, bat boxes, nesting towers and beehives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23851/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that there are currently no policies in place in my Department to install artificial structures that provide shelter and habitat space for the various species referenced by the Deputy.

However, the Deputy may wish to note that in June 2020, my Department and Kildare County Council jointly procured the service of a multidisciplinary team that includes an ecologist; led by Paul Hogarth consultants to develop a Comprehensive Conservation Management and Interpretation Branding/Plan that will provide recommendations for the protection and conservation of the Curragh Plains.

The Curragh Plains are unique lands of national importance comprising semi-natural grassland of some 5,000 acres, which, has existed in its current condition for over 2,000 years. The importance of the Curragh as a distinct ecological habitat and archaeological site is well documented. My Department will strive to develop policies based on the recommendations of the Conservation Management Plan of the Curragh Plains Consultancy Study. It is anticipated that the Curragh Plains Consultancy Study will be published in the latter half of 2022.