Statement from the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, on the commencement of the first Public Consultation on Ireland’s draft Nature Restoration Plan template

“Today marks a significant milestone in Ireland’s efforts to restore nature as we put the draft Nature Restoration Plan template out for its first public consultation. I’d like to acknowledge the huge amount of work that has gone into the development of this document across multiple government departments and state agencies over the past year and a half.”

“Public participation and stakeholder engagement are at the heart of Ireland’s approach to restoring nature. As such, today’s announcement is the first of several steps on our journey to develop a national policy that creates an opportunity for each and every one of us to take part in this great national effort.”

“Like all Member States, Ireland’s draft Nature Restoration Plan template is based on a prescriptive template that was provided by the European Commission. As such, it is a technical document that was designed to respond to the detail of the Regulation in a systematic way.”

“Following the public consultation, and subject to approval at Cabinet, we will submit the draft to the Commission this coming September. The Commission will then review it and provide us with feedback over the coming 12 months. The next iteration of the NRP will then go out to another public consultation, before approval is sought at Cabinet again on the final document.”

“In parallel with this, it is my intention to develop a National Nature Strategy that absorbs both the finalised Nature Restoration Plan template, the recommendations of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration and the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023 - 2030, and translates them into one overarching national policy to restore and protect nature in Ireland.”

“I want this document to be the place where we spell out the measures, schemes and incentives that will turn the tide on nature loss, with a full and complete picture of what the Nature Restoration Law requires of us and – crucially – how its implementation will be funded.”

“Delivering on the Nature Restoration Law is my top priority as Minister for Nature. I am currently working with colleagues across Government to put the necessary resources and supports in place so that Ireland is ready to grasp this once-in-a-generation opportunity and ensure we can all share in the benefits of a healthy, thriving natural environment. I would like to thank them for their ongoing support.”

“Delivering on the Nature Restoration Law is my top priority as Minister for Nature. I am currently working with colleagues across Government to put the necessary resources and supports in place so that Ireland is ready to grasp this once-in-a-generation opportunity and ensure we can all share in the benefits of a healthy, thriving natural environment. And I would like to thank them for their ongoing support.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Details of the public consultation are available here