Concern Over Fly Tipping & Lax Sheep Grazing On Curragh Plains - Public Consultation

Thursday, 20 April 2023 15:46

By Caoimhe Harney

Kildare County Council have published the findings of the second stage, public consultation

There's considerable public concern around the control of litter and fly-tipping on the Curragh Plains, according to a public consultation.

Litter featured heavily in the findings, as did managing sheep grazing more stringently.

Kildare County Council have published the findings of the second stage, public consultation for the Conservation Management Plan for The Curragh Plains.

A preliminary public consultation exercise was undertaken to help establish an understanding of what aspects of the Curragh Plains are important and why.

The consultation comprised a short questionnaire that was hosted on a dedicated project website and publicised through various media platforms

The survey was open for four weeks between Monday 15th March and Monday 12th April.

It was clear from the responses that the Curragh holds a very important place in people’s hearts.

The strength of feeling, both for this project and this important place, was reflected in the number of responses submitted.

Some 81% stated that it was the landscape of the Curragh that made it special,including its scale, scenery, and undeveloped nature, according to the findings by Kildare County Council.

People cited its natural qualities, its wildlife, and the unique/unusual aspects of the Curragh such as its diversity, vastness, and magical qualities.

The recreational value of the Curragh Plains and the importance it plays in people’s lives socially but also in terms of mental and physical health featured heavily in the findings of the consultation.

Its history and archaeology, particularly in relation to the story of the country,was recognised as important.

A significant number of people expressed the need for facilities and infrastructure to enhance the recreational use of the plains, such as parking areas, bins, seating, picnic areas,toilets, coffee outlets etc.

This included dedicated trails, bridleways, cycle trails and walking routes to manage some of the user conflicts.