Government urged to make the Curragh a national park
The Curragh is Ireland's largest, finest, and possibly only, example of a surviving ancient unenclosed low grassland and is surrounded by good, fertile lands.
The Government is being urged to consider designating the Curragh as a national park to protect its unique ecological, historical and cultural significance.
Covering almost 5,000 acres of unfenced flat land between Newbridge and Kildare, the Curragh has remained uncultivated for over 2,000 years.
The main training centre the Irish Defence Forces, it also has a military museum and is known worldwide for horse racing and bloodstock breeding.
An open plain of grassland and heath, it is 5km wide at its widest point and extend for 10kms with a sandy soil that grows unique plants and is associated with St Brigid, one of Ireland’s three national saints.
The Curragh is also Ireland's largest, finest, and possibly only, example of a surviving ancient unenclosed low grassland and is surrounded by good, fertile lands.
It is home to Ireland’s five most important flat races each year, including the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. An estimated 1,000 racehorses are trained in local stables and there are many stud farms in the vicinity.
The Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens are nearby too.
Farmers have a legal right to graze sheep on the distinctive landscape, a practice that helps keep grass and other vegetation under control without damaging the unique environment.
Newbridge-based Fianna Fáil senator Fiona O’Loughlin has now urged the Government to designate the Curragh as a national park.
She told the Seanad it was agreed in the programme for government that a conservation plan for the Curragh would be implemented.
As part of that, there would be a management plan to ensure preservation, with careful consideration in relation to which agency would be best suited to this historic landscape.
“The State has had to purchase areas to become national parks in the past. In this case, the land is already in the ownership of the State, albeit under the management of the Department of Defence at this point,” she said.
Ms O’Loughlin said the Curragh is Ireland's largest inland open plain and one of the largest in Europe. It is one of the largest areas with ancient grassland, and it is important to conserve and preserve it.
It has rare flora and fauna, and is important for archaeological purposes. It is a fabulous area for people to walk and explore. Designating it as a national park would encourage responsible tourism and community involvement and unlock resources for trails, signage, and proper parking.
“It is not just about preserving land; it is about honouring Ireland's natural and cultural heritage, as well as ensuring its future legacy," Ms O'Loughlin added.
“I would welcome the minister of state, Deputy Christy O'Sullivan, to come Kildare. I know he passes the Curragh on a regular basis. I ask him to stop off. We would be delighted to show him some of the jewels in Kildare's crown,” she said.
Mr O Sullivan said he will come to visit the Curragh, which he passes every single week. He completely appreciates the nature, value, and heritage of it.
“We will do a trip around to see all aspects of what makes it the special place it is," he said.
"It is amazing in many ways, but it is a shame in other ways because we have seen the habitat there really being degraded. I would love to see a management plan kick in so that we can see it come back,” he said.
