Concerns that illegal hunting is ‘destroying’ well-known Kildare spot

A political representative based in County Kildare has voiced concerns that illegal hunting is "destroying" a well-known nature spot.

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin yesterday (January 7 last) said that she had issued a letter to two government ministers and also to Kildare County Council, outlining the urgent need to upgrade The Curragh Plains to national park status.

Senator O'Loughlin's announcement follows a similar call she issued back in November of 2025, while her letter follows the circulation of photographs posted bh online groups showing significant damage to parts of The Curragh Plains.

According to Senator O'Loughlin, large burrows and holes have been dug across the land in an attempt to capture rabbits and badgers, which has prompted "serious concern" about the long-term preservation of the region.

Writing to both the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity [Christopher O'Sullivan TD] and to the Minister for Defence [Helen McEntee TD], Senator O’Loughlin emphasised the need to accelerate commitments contained in the Programme for Government.

She explained: "The Curragh is the heart of Kildare; nearly every person in the area has a special fondness for it, and that needs to be protected.

"It has rare flora and fauna and is important for archaeological purposes.

"It is also a wonderful area for people to walk and explore."

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'SIGNIFICANT PROTECTIONS'

The Newbridge-based politician also claimed that designating The Curragh as a National Park would provide it with "significant protections" and "a dedicated agency to oversee and safeguard it"

She elaborated: "National Park status would also encourage responsible tourism and community involvement and unlock resources for trails, signage and proper parking.

"The Curragh is one of the jewels in Kildare’s crown; it should be promoted across the country so people are encouraged to visit.

"The joy it offers should be shared beyond Kildare; to achieve this, it needs the investment and support that National Park status would bring."

In addition, Senator O'Loughlin said that The Curragh is Ireland’s largest inland open plain, and also one of the largest in Europe.

'ANCIENT GRASSLAND'

Furthermore, she said that it is also one of the most extensive areas of "ancient grassland" in Ireland, thus "making its conservation and preservation essential".

Lastly, Senator O'Loughlin expressed her view that preserving the land is also about "honouring Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage and ensuring its future legacy".

"Making The Curragh a National Park is the best way to do that," she concluded.

Senator O'Loughlin also made headlines last month when she urged the Minister of Education, Hildegarde Naughton TD, to visit a school in Kildare.

Specifically, she wanted Minister Naughton to visit Curragh Community College in order to see first-hand the condition of the school and to implement immediate emergency works in order to ensure that the "building is safe and fit for purpose".

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin. File photograph

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Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.