Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
152. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the total cumulative expenditure to date by her Department on legal proceedings relating to illegal encampments on the Curragh, County Kildare; the breakdown of such expenditure for each of the years 2024, 2025, and to date in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47487/26]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware of the legal process my Department is engaged with through the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO) with regard to illegal encampments on the Curragh. My officials have acted promptly to ensure action is taken to protect the Plains and in recent weeks since the end of May 2026 have secured three (3) High Court orders against those in illegal occupation.
The CSSO is the principal provider of solicitor services to the Attorney General and government, providing advisory, litigation and transactional services to Government Departments and offices. The cost associated with the provision of these legal services is borne by the CSSO.
The use of a private security contractor was also necessary to support the implementation of an agreed legal process and to assist with the service of court orders.
The table below shows the costs associated with provision of services from that private security company for years requested:
|
Private Security Contractor |
Ex Vat |
Total |
|
2024 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2025 |
€77,190 |
€94,943.70 |
|
2026 |
€23,600 |
€29,028 |
