Dear Kildare Resident

The Curragh Plains are an amazing resource for South Kildare, from the home of our Defence Forces to a location synonymous with excellence in horse racing. This 5,000 acre stretch of common land has an illustrious heritage which could be better understood and utilised by locals and visitors alike with some small changes and improvements.

I believe the Curragh Plains has an untapped potential in terms of increased economic activity from the equine industry, from a tourism perspective, from a recreational and leisure perspective along with its rich and diverse heritage that could be further promoted.

I have highlighted this potential in Dail Eireann and have discussed it with Minister Simon Coveney on a number of occasions since his appointment as Minister for Defence in July 2014. Now I want the feedback of those familiar with the plains, from those who work there with horses, sheep, or the military to the many South Kildare residents who use it for running, walking or just flying a kite with family.

What is your perspective of the Curragh at present? What are the challenges that you see? How can we, in tapping into the resources of the different state departments, improve the management and operation of the plains for everyone's benefit?

I would be grateful if you could complete my short survey, to give me a better understanding of what the Curragh means to you and how we can grow its potential.

I look forward to updating you on progress in this area as the project progresses. If you have any other queries, please feel free to get in touch with me through my office in Newbridge on 045-487624 or by email martin.heydon@oireachtas.ie.

Regards

Martin