157. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 46 of 23 October 2024, with regard to the Curragh, County Kildare, and to the Curragh Rangers being tasked with litter removal on the Curragh plain, if he can clarify why there is a private firm engaged to clear litter from the Curragh plain; and the cost of same. [44560/24]

The Land Staff team, among other duties, carry out tidying of roadsides by regular litter picking along the verges which they convey to bins in their work yard. An external firm is contracted to remove waste stemming from illegal encampments and fly-tipping. To date in 2024 (as at 10th October) the total cost, including VAT, spent with the contracted service provider for the removal of illegally dumped waste is €185,945.