The minister's barrister, Kelley Smith SC, told the court on Friday that "waves of trespassers"  have been arriving on the lands since earlier this year.

This month, more caravans arrived, with numbers initially standing at 18 and later another 15 arrived

Three caravans that have been parked in a car park in Co Kildare since October must be removed by this Thursday, the High Court has ordered.

Trainers based at the Curragh have said it is becoming very difficult to train due to the increased volume of caravans

The four defendants each pleaded guilty before Limerick District Court to failing to follow an enforcement order from Limerick City and County Council

The operation was supported by armed gardaí, the Garda air support unit, stolen motor vehicle unit, dog unit, and Carlow gardaí.