The confirmation came during a Seanad debate earlier this week
Defence Minister Helen McEntee has confirmed that an initial scoping exercise has been undertaken into the establishment of a dedicated agency to oversee the management and protection of the Curragh.
The confirmation came during a Seanad debate initiated by Fianna Fáil Senator for Kildare South, Fiona O’Loughlin.
She raised the ongoing challenges facing the Curragh, including repeated illegal encampments and the environmental and economic impact on the historic plains.
In a statement delivered on behalf of the Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, the Department confirmed that officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have undertaken an initial assessment of the likely requirements for such a body:
“The report identified the need to consider a dedicated agency responsible for the Curragh or to assign responsibility for the site to an existing agency with the necessary expertise to maximise the potential of the plains.
“The Government is committed to the implementation of these recommendations to address both the opportunities and challenges, as can be seen by its inclusion in the Programme for Government. To this end, Department officials are continuing to engage with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which has undertaken an initial scoping of the likely requirements.”
The Minister also confirmed that officials from the Department of Defence and the NPWS met at the Curragh on 17th of June and conducted a tour of the plains.
Senator O ' Loughlin also cited concern among trainers who bring horses onto the plains, as well as welfare for other animals.
The Department stated that it does not accept that those occupying the encampments have any right to reside on the Curragh Plains and said it continues to work with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office to ensure that all appropriate legal steps are taken to protect the area.
The Government’s commitment to reviewing the Curragh by-laws and the Curragh of Kildare Act, alongside consideration of new governance structures, follows recommendations contained in the Curragh consultancy project published in 2024.
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