Curragh Illegal Encampments Bill passes Second Stage Bill - O'Loughlin

Publication of the Report on the Curragh Consultancy Project imminent

A Private Members Bill on the Curragh introduced by Kildare Fianna Fáil Senator, Fiona O’Loughlin, has passed Second Stage in the Seanad.

The Bill, titled the Curragh of Kildare Amendment Bill 2022, seeks to tackle the issue of illegal encampments on the Curragh Plains.

Senator O’Loughlin said: “I am delighted that my Bill has passed Second Stage and that the government has committed that any of their proposed amendments to the Bill will not only strengthen the protection of the Curragh, but will also involve look at new approaches to how the Curragh is managed.

“I also welcome the imminent publication of the Report on the Curragh Consultancy Project, which looks at the establishment of a new agency for the Curragh and a review of the Curragh Byelaws and the Curragh of Kildare Act.

“The Curragh is a prime asset for the community and is of huge heritage value to us all in South Kildare and indeed to the whole country.

“With my Bill and the publication of the Report I am hopeful that the ongoing issues with illegal dumping and illegal encampments, that completely take away from the beauty of those who wish to use it daily and deter people from using this amenity, will finally be tackled for good.”

In a written reply to Senator O'Loughlin, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, said: “The Curragh is one of the most open and accessible areas in the country, and while none of us would wish to see this level of accessibility diminished, it has resulted in the use of the Plains for illegal camping and dumping. This issue has become particularly pressing over the course of last summer, which has led to considerable local concern.

“This week I have received the final draft of the report on the Curragh Consultancy Project and intend to publish it shortly.

“The Report reviews the Curragh Byelaws and the Curragh of Kildare Act, with a view to identifying amendments that could potentially provide more effective solutions to the issues of illegal encampments, illegal dumping and illegal parking. It also looks at the establishment of a new agency for the Curragh or assigning an existing specialist State Agency to manage the Plains. Such a measure would allow for enhanced engagement with stakeholders and the general public.

“The Report also examines the development of the Curragh as a tourist destination, potentially including the development of a Curragh Visitor, Management and Archive Centre. Coupled with this would be the creation of an overarching brand concept for the Plains to maximise the impact of focal points such as the Military Museum and the Curragh Racecourse.

“The Curragh Plains are an important resource for the people of Kildare and the whole nation. As such, it is vitally important that we protect this site, while ensuring that future generations benefit from the historic, educational and natural amenities it features. For that reason, I again wish to thank Senator O’Loughlin for bringing forward this Private Members’ Bill and I want to assure her that while the Government may seek amendments to the Bill at Committee Stage, any such proposed government amendments to the Bill will not only strengthen the protection of the Curragh, but will also involve a de novo approach to how we manage the Curragh, ranging from looking at the governance arrangements through to the current and future users of the Curragh Plains.”

-ENDS-