Sheep owner told he has no permission to lock gate in Curragh

The Department of Defence has asked a livestock owner not to lock a gate leading to a fenced area of the Curragh Plains.

It emerged that the incident related to a number of acres of the Curragh Plains fenced by Kildare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland as part of the development of the M7/N7.

There is also gate to access the enclosed land.

However it came to the attention of the Department of Defence that one of the livestock owners whose sheep graze the area was locking this gate.

A Department spokesperson said: "This lock has been removed and the individual has been advised that they do not have permission from the Department of Defence to lock this gate in future."

The issue was raised at the Kildare Nwbridge Municipal District meeting by Cllr Fiona McLoughlin Healy.

The politician also requested an update on the Curragh Forum which is tasked with protecting and promoting the Curragh Plains.