Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
852. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding increase that would be necessary for the National Parks and Wildlife Service to be capable of fulfilling its statutory requirements under the EU Habitats Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41930/22]
View answerIn excess of €47m in funding was provided to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in Budget 2022, including dedicated provisions, and funding to be drawn from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and Rural Recreation allocations. The represents an increase of 20% when compared with the NPWS spend in 2021
The recent Strategic Action Plan for the NPWS sets out an ambitious timeline for a full organisational restructuring of the NPWS, and a substantial €55 million additional investment in the organisation across three budgetary cycles, together with the accelerated early recruitment of at least 60 key staff for critically important roles.
This Plan aims to deliver a NPWS that is more resilient, better resourced, and better equipped to play its part in Ireland’s response to the biodiversity emergency on the national and international stage. It will equip the NPWS with the funding, organisational capability and supporting structures to enable it to deliver its mandate in protecting our natural heritage including requirements under the Habitats Directive.
