O'Loughlin will fight to have the Curragh designated a National Heritage Amenity(NHA)

“The Curragh Plains of today is not ours alone - we hold it in trust for this generation and the generations to come” said Cllr Fiona O’Loughlin, GE candidate 2016.

“Due to the continuing damage and deterioration observed by myself and many in our community I believe the Curragh Plains should be designated as a Natural Heritage Area (NHA). The Curragh Plains meet all the criteria on the National Parks and Wildlife Services webpage to become a National Park,however, we must act quickly and decisively to protect this wonderful amenity, Kildare’s most identifiable and precious landmark”.

The GE candidate has pledged her commitment, if elected for Kildare South, to work on behalf of local communities to implement an effective action plan, in order to ensure the protection of the Curragh Plains.

“I will work with the Department of Defence, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, to ensure that the desired outcome will be delivered. The unique potential of what we have on our doorstep, i.e. the Curragh,is incredible. We, the people of Co Kildare must recognise it as our main natural amenity, something to be enjoyed by all. My vision for the Curragh Plains will not impede any current cultural or economic activity; indeed it will further enhance everyone’s enjoyment of the Curragh”.

Cllr O’Loughlin added that the necessary steps would include securing a designation of the Curragh Plains as a Natural Heritage Area (NHA), which will afford legal protection for the open plains by underpinning the existing Curragh Acts, and its current designation as a Recorded Monument under the National Monuments Act.

“We could further enhance the experience for all visitors, local and otherwise with the erection of visitor interpretative points explaining the importance to our natural and cultural heritage of the Curragh Plains. This will increase awareness of the geological, ecological, archaeological and economic history of the Plains and thereby help achieve the overall aim to stop the inadvertent damage currently taking place. Allocated designated parking areas will reduce the random and uncontrolled traffic on the Plains with low-profile perimeter posts minimising vehicle access, thus protecting the ancient grasslands and monuments”.

Cllr.O'Loughlin at Donnelly's Hollow.

In conclusion, Cllr O’Loughlin said: “I will be very proud to help deliver this commitment for Kildare but I will need all the help I can get to achieve our goal. If you have other ideas or suggestions that can help us realise this vision, I’d like to hear your feedback by email to: [email protected]”