State plans management of Curragh as encampments move on

THE NUMBER of encampments remaining on the Curragh has fallen significantly following a series of High Court orders, with the Government also moving ahead with plans for the future management of the plains after a recent visit by National Parks and Wildlife Service officials.

An update on the situation was shared by Kildare TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl. He said the number of unauthorised caravans on the plains has continued to decline in recent days, with all remaining caravans having left the Curragh View area.

According to information provided by the Department of Defence, there are currently three caravans at Brownstown, two at Little Curragh and five at Rossmore.

The latest figures mark a substantial reduction from earlier this month, when more than 70 caravans were parked across the Curragh, prompting the Minister for Defence to seek High Court injunctions ordering occupants to leave.

Interim High Court orders were granted on June 5 against 35 named individuals and other persons unknown occupying the Curragh. Those orders were served by bailiffs on June 8, while interlocutory orders relating to the larger encampment were served on June 12. Further notices to quit were delivered on June 20.

The Department said it expects "a natural drop of numbers" but warned that if this does not continue, it will examine the option of returning to the High Court to seek enforcement orders.

In his update, Deputy Ó Fearghaíl said the Department of Defence is also developing a new long-term management approach for the Curragh in consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

“In parallel, my office continues to monitor the situation on the ground. Legal proceedings have been initiated, with multiple High Court orders already secured and served in response to unauthorised occupation,” he said.

“Numbers on the Plains have begun to decrease, and we will continue to pursue all appropriate actions where necessary.” The issue was also raised in the Dáil by Labour TD Mark Wall who called for the Government to implement the recommendations of the Curragh Plains Conservation Management Plan.

Responding on behalf of the Minister for Defence, Minister of State Robert Troy said the Government is committed to introducing "a modern and sustainable regulatory model" for the management of the historic landscape. He confirmed that the Department is working with Kildare County Council and the NPWS to implement recommendations contained in the 2024 Curragh consultancy report, including a review of the Curragh bye-laws and the Curragh of Kildare Act, and consideration of establishing a dedicated agency to oversee the plains.

He also revealed that Department officials met representatives of the NPWS on June 17 for a site visit to the Curragh, describing it as "a very positive engagement", with the next steps expected to be identified shortly.

Welcoming the update, Deputy Wall said the Curragh is "one of the most important places in the whole country" and urged the Government to move quickly from planning to implementation to protect the plains for future generations.