Caravans cleared from the Curragh

A LOCAL representative has confirmed that most of the caravans which had been encamped on the Curragh plains have now departed, following a High Court order issued last week.

Speaking on the matter, TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl noted that as of Saturday, Gardaí were present on-site to ensure compliance, and by Sunday, there was no visible sign of encampments in the area.

“I didn’t see any evidence of encampments around the Curragh yesterday,” he said on Monday. “It appears they’ve gone.” 

More than 80 caravans, believed to be occupied by members of the Traveller Community who come over from England and France for the summer, had parked at the Curragh Plains, which amassed costs of over €30,000 for the clean-up.

Training operations for the Defence Forces were prevented due to the encampments and other problems such as noise nuisance, scramblers and quad bikes causing damage to a golf course was also reported.

Kelley Smith SC, for the Minister of Defence, had applied to make the interim injunctions interlocutory, meaning that the conditions stay the same until the full hearing has been settled.

Judge Cregan granted the orders including that further applications may be brought against those encamped.

The matter had also been raised in the Dáil last Thursday, where the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence assured that within weeks, proposals would be brought forward concerning the long term management of the Curragh.

The response from the Department of Defence this year was described as “speedy and efficient,” with the handling of the situation seen as a marked improvement over previous years.

Although there were reports of damage earlier in the week, Deputy Ó Feargháil said he didn’t see waste or leftover materials in the parts of the plains he visited. However, he acknowledged he hadn’t inspected the entire area.

He also praised the conduct of the French visitors, noting that while they shouldn’t have been there, they maintained cleanliness, used portaloos and bins, and didn’t leave any litter behind.

“Their behaviour, despite the circumstances, was admirable and an example to others,” he said.