Minister Of Defence Contacted As Illegal Encampments Continue On The Curragh

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 12:48

By Hannah Kelly

Current illegal encampments on The Curragh. Image provided to Kfm News

Last month, it was confirmed that an initial scoping exercise had been undertaken into the establishment of a dedicated agency to oversee the management and protection of the plains

Issues relating to the ongoing situation of illegal encampments on the Curragh Plains have once again been sent to the Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee.

Kfm News understands there are currently an estimated 30-50 caravans parked on the Curragh.

Listeners have contacted the Kildare Today show with images of the encampments, claiming that there is also dumping taking place.

curragh july 26

Image sent to Kfm News

Labour TD for Kildare South, Mark Wall, has written to the Defence Minister about the situation, writing:

"I raised this previously in the Dáil with your colleague Minister Robert Troy, who informed me that there are plans and proposals around addressing this issue which need to receive cabinet approval. When I raised this with Minister Troy, there were over 100 caravans. These have now since left only to be replaced by 50 other caravans. I hope that Minister Troy has impressed upon you the importance of the situation.

"If you could please provide my office with an update regarding the ongoing situation and the timeline for any implementation of your plans to protect the Curragh and the Defence Forces located there".

The clean-up costs of illegal dumping on the Curragh was also mentioned, as in 2024 alone, almost €190,000 was spent by the Department to clear rubbish on the plains.

Last month, it was confirmed that an initial scoping exercise had been undertaken into the establishment of a dedicated agency to oversee the management and protection of the Curragh.