Curragh report suggests future for Plains

AFTER a two-year delay the long-awaited Report on the Curragh Plains has been released by Kildare County Council, in collaboration with the Department of Defence (DoD).

This Report was precipitated in the wake of the DoD dumping “thousands of tonnes” of builders’ rubble in Donnelly’s Hollow back in 2018, and was due for publication in October 2022 after it got almost 3,700 formal responses from the public, but was inexplicably sent for a second round of public consultation by the then Minister Simon Coveney.

Technically, it is being released as two documents - the Curragh Plains Conservation Management Plan, and Curragh Plains Interpretation, Branding and Wayfinding Strategy.

The completion of both documents will provide a path on the future of the Curragh Plains, home to almost 5,000 acres of open grassland of local, regional and national importance.

In 2018 a vision document was commissioned by Kildare County Council arising from an action from the Curragh Forum, established in 2016 by the DoD.

The Paul Hogarth Company prepared ‘The Curragh Plains – A Reflection of Potential’, which showed that more detailed research, as well as consultation with the many stakeholders of The Curragh, was required.

In 2020 The Paul Hogarth Company were appointed for the preparation of the two documents at a reported cost of about €150,000.

In 2021 a preliminary public consultation was held online, with 3,636 survey responses returned and 44 emails received. Stakeholder engagement included online meetings, workshops and interviews, all of which informed the Conservation Management Plan.

The Wayfinding Strategy will support the issues and opportunities highlighted in the Conservation Management Plan.

“A Curragh Plains place brand will be an agent of competitive identity building, supporting sustainable economic benefits, promoting unique qualities of the Curragh Plains helping it stand out nationally and internationally as a distinct, unique, authentic and memorable place to visit,” said a spokesperson for the Council.

“The Conservation Management Plan for the Curragh Plains aims to protect and enhance this unique landscape's heritage while meeting the needs of its key stakeholders,” said Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council.

“By working together and using sustainable management practices, the plan seeks to ensure the Curragh remains a valuable natural, cultural, and recreational resource for future generations to enjoy.” Cllr Kevin Duffy, Leas Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare said.

Local representative and big advocate for a new broom at The Currgh is Senator Fiona O’Loughlin.

“The Curragh is a hugely important resource so I’m very pleased that this report outlines how best to protect the area whilst also maximising its huge tourism potential,” she said.

"I have asked the Tánaiste to investigate the possibility of the State purchasing Lumville House for use as a potential visitor/interpretative centre for the Curragh.

“The small hotel on the edge of the Curragh, which is up for sale, would make an ideal visitor centre once renovated as it has ample space and plenty of parking."