Kildare not at the races as Tipp sweeps up Curragh contract
Rubbish scattered on The Curragh
A Tipperary cleaning firm is responsible for the upkeep of The Curragh. Details of the contract were revealed following an official Freedom of Information request filed by cllr Chris Pender with the Department of Defence.
Over the last number of years, there has been some controversy over who had ultimate responsibility for the environmental management of the 2,000 hectares of open ground in the centre of Kildare. The information confirms that Ryan’s Cleaning Event Specialist Ltd from Thurles is the contractor currently tasked with environmental services on The Curragh, including the vital work of furze cutting and removal of illegally-dumped waste.
The contract, awarded in 2022, initially spanned a period of 12 months, beginning on 1 September 2022, and has since been extended twice, with the second and final extension set to expire on 31 December 2024. The contract includes provisions for bi-annual tenders, specifically for The Curragh’s maintenance, focusing on keeping the natural landscape clear of invasive weeds and illegal waste.
The FOI request submitted by cllr Pender sought comprehensive information on the procurement and tendering process for this contract. The information comes to light as the Department of Defence sits on a report into the management of The Curragh that received nearly 4,000 submissions from the public.
The FOI revealed that a second-preferred bidder had to be contracted, as the originally selected contractor declined the offer after the tendering process was concluded. This underscores the competitive nature of the procurement process.
The Curragh Plains, an historic and ecologically significant landscape, have long been the subject of public concern over environmental upkeep, particularly due to persistent issues of illegal dumping and invasive vegetation. As a unique open grassland and historical landmark, the management of this area is essential not just for the local community but for the country at large.
“The Curragh Plains are an iconic part of Kildare’s heritage, and it’s essential that we protect this environment for future generations,” said cllr Pender. “This response has shed light on how these services are procured and managed, which is critical to ensuring public accountability.
“This information will help address many of the concerns that have been raised locally regarding illegal dumping and the maintenance of the plains. By making this process more transparent, we can hold contractors to account and ensure that they deliver the highest standard of service.” The FOI process has unveiled key insights into how public contracts for The Curragh’s maintenance are awarded, with a particular focus on ensuring environmental integrity.
All procurements and expenditures exceeding €20,000 are listed publicly, and this contract, which falls within this category, was fully disclosed to cllr Pender.
“This level of openness in the tendering process reinforces the importance of transparency and public oversight in the use of taxpayer funds,” he noted.
The current contract, extended until the end of 2024, provides a short window for new bids to be prepared and submitted, as the Department of Defence is expected to issue a new tender soon.
“It is vital that as we move forward we work on not only maintaining but enhancing The Curragh’s environmental integrity. This contract needs to address illegal dumping more comprehensively, and there must be a broader strategy in place to protect the plains for the future,” cllr Pender concluded.
Ryan’s Cleaning Event Specialist Ltd, the company currently responsible for maintaining The Curragh, specialises in large-scale cleaning and environmental services and it has contracts across multiple sectors, including events and public spaces.
