No solution for roaming sheep in Curragh estates

Residents of Brownstown, The Curragh, and surrounding areas have expressed their frustration over the ongoing issue of livestock straying onto their properties.

In a motion presented at the Kildare-Newbride Municipal District meeting, cllr Balfe urged the council to provide guidance to residents on reporting the presence of livestock so that the animals can be removed by the appropriate authorities. 

Cllr Balfe said: “This has been going on for a long time. Support is needed for those residents in the areas affected.” 

In response, the council clarified that while the municipal district office manages the roads through the Curragh, livestock management largely falls outside its remit. The council has previously installed 26 cattle grids at strategic locations to prevent livestock from wandering onto roads and properties. Cattle grids had been proposed for the affected areas mentioned in previous years but had not gone forward due to various issues raised during planning. 

Starting in 2025, a dedicated capital budget will be used to maintain and upgrade three grids annually. 

However, there are no plans or funds to install new grids, with the cost of grids standing at €250,000 not including the upkeep costs.

Kildare County Council stated it has no role in managing sheep on the Curragh and that the Department of Defence, as the authority overseeing grazing rights on Curragh lands, is responsible for engaging with farmers who own livestock in the area.

The motion highlights ongoing challenges faced by residents due to roaming livestock. Many will be hoping for clearer protocols and collaboration among responsible agencies to address the issue effectively.