Calls for greater policing of the Curragh plains to protect Kildare's 'greatest natural resource'

Kildare TD Fiona O'Loughlin has called for greater protection to be given to the Curragh plains, which she claims should be considered a National Park to ensure that the unique landscape is protected.

The Fianna Fáil representative asked that the public, Gardaí, and the Defence Forces step up to reduce any damage caused to the area, while also calling for a car park to be built in the area to prevent motorists from driving over the grass and causing damage.

“I feel there should be a designated car park for cars to park and utilise the Curragh. Driving across the Curragh should be limited due to the damage it causes," stated Deputy O'Loughlin.

"Stronger policing and greater Garda resources are required to halt the ‘fly tipping’ which is now a serious issue on the open plains”.

“I believe firmly the Curragh Plains should be designated as a National Park, under the Natural Heritage Area (NHA) guidelines. The Curragh meets all the criteria for national heritage status with its unique ecological, historical and archaeological history. Not only is it the greatest natural resource we have in county Kildare, but it is also the home of the Defence Forces and the working environment of many members of the racing fraternity.

“If the Curragh was designated under the NHA, this would afford it legal protection by underpinning the existing Curragh Acts, and its current designation as a Recorded Monument under the National Monuments Act.

The South Kildare TD also said that the addition of information services to detail the historical importance of the Curragh would be a positive step.

“The addition of a visitor interpretative points explaining the ecological and historical importance of the Curragh would enhance its tourism potential, and allocated parking areas would reduce the random and uncontrolled traffic on the Plains, thus protecting the ancient grasslands and monuments," she concluded.