Call For The OPW To Be Considered To Manage The Curragh Plains

Friday, 5 May 2023 16:39

By Caoimhe Harney

The Curragh Plains spans 5,000 acres

A new Management Plan is urgently needed for the Curragh Plains with a change required from the department of Defence for its ongoing management, according to Kildare South Fine Gael TD and Minister Martin Heydon.

Minister Heydon has said the Office of Public Works should be considered to manage the Curragh.

He was speaking on Kildare Today on Thursday morning following queries around repeated illegal encampments on the Curragh.

"Given the challenges facing the Curragh Plains, its size and openness, and the many stakeholders who live close to it or use it for work, recreation or tourism, it is vital that this report sets out a new vision of management of the plains.

“I believe that ongoing management of the 5,000 acres needs to switch from the Department of Defence to another state agency," insisted.

"In my opinion, the Office of Public Works (OPW) have the appropriate skill set to proactively manage the plains, not just to deal with problems that arise but to proactively manage this unique and historic amenity and make the Curragh Plains an even better place to live, visit and work.

“A consultation process to review management of the Curragh Plains and prepare a conservation management plan, co-funded by the Department of Defence and Kildare County Council commenced in 2021.

"The final report which is due out soon will hopefully recommend alternative structures to improve the management and oversight of this vital Kildare resource.

“A preliminary public consultation exercise took place in Spring 2021 to establish an understanding of what aspects of the Curragh Plains are important to people and why.

"In total 3,680 responses and submissions to the survey were received which clearly demonstrated the huge interest people have in the Curragh.

“A second follow up consultation process took place in Autumn 2022 on the preliminary findings along with a draft Plan and Strategy.

“A final report is now almost complete and is due to be presented to the Minister for Defence Michael Martin shortly.

“It has been an ambition of mine to improve the management structures of the Curragh since I was first elected as a TD for Kildare South.

"I worked closely with former Minster for Defence Simon Coveney to get this public consultation off the ground and I hope we soon get to see the recommendations that will transform the management of this important historic and cultural Kildare asset”, concluded Minister Heydon.

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