Local Authorities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2022

Thursday, 14 July 2022

Questions (389)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

389. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeframe for the further roll-out of biodiversity officers in 2023-24 for local authorities; if expressions of interest for participation in the pilot for biodiversity officers has been advertised by the Heritage Council; the local authorities that will have biodiversity officers recruited in August 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39489/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department is committed to supporting local authorities in the important role they play in the implementation of actions contained in the National Biodiversity Action Plan. In that context, I have allocated €600,000 in 2022 towards the establishment of a Biodiversity Officer programme, with six officers to be recruited this year and a further roll out in 2023/24.

The programme is currently under way and will be delivered by the Heritage Council and the County and City Management Association, with the support of my Department and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Expressions of interest for participation in the first phase will be advertised by the Heritage Council shortly and that it is expected that participating local authorities will begin the recruitment process in the coming months. Biodiversity officers are employees of the local authority and therefore the timeframe for recruitment will be determined at local level.

Question No. 390 answered with Question No. 343.

Question No. 391 answered with Question No. 343.

Question No. 392 answered with Question No. 343.