Kildare based Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has called on Government to protect the long-term viability of the Curragh Plains.
Senator O’Loughlin said, ” The Curragh is a real jewel in the crown of Kildare and it something that we are truly proud of as lillywhites. It is a place of great importance from an ecological, archaeological and cultural perspective. It is a great place for local people in which to walk and enjoy as it is bordered by Kildare, Newbridge, Milltown, Athgarvan and Kilcullen. Local people have a great respect for it. For this and many other reasons, it should have the highest level of protection.”
“In July 2021 I attended an online focus group workshop regarding the Curragh Plains. Kildare County Council and the Department of Defence had appointed The Paul Hogarth Company, together with other specialist consultants, to undertake a Conservation Management Plan and a Branding, Wayfinding and Interpretation Plan for the Curragh Plains. This project is tasked with to help protect and conserve the special status of this landscape; help manage more effectively the diverse yet critical uses of the Plains.”
“We have seen unacceptable levels of dumping and fly tipping in the Curragh as well as significant damage at keys sites such as the Gibbet Rath, and that is wholly unacceptable. I am pleased that the Circular Economy Bill will pave the way for use of CCTV to detect and deter illegal dumping and littering, and I am hopeful that this will be utilised to protect the Curragh also.”
Fiona concluded by saying “I am pleased that a conservation management plan for the Curragh Plains is due to be submitted to the Department and Kildare County Council in the coming weeks. Followed by an Interpretation and Branding Plan which is very welcome.”
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