Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
380. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many biologists are employed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service; what areas they specialise in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33769/23]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has responsibility for the protection and conservation of Ireland’s natural heritage and biodiversity at national government level. The Review of the NPWS, published in February 2022, outlined the significant qualifications and experience across the organisation and the Strategic Action Plan for the renewal of the NPWS, published in May 2022, seeks to ensure that the NPWS is resourced and equipped to deliver fully on its mandate. Recruitment of a number of key roles within NPWS is underway.
There are currently 46 persons employed as ecologists in the NPWS, working in the areas of ecological assessment, ecological guidance and advice, agri-ecology, plants, bryophytes, invertebrates, vertebrates, conservations measures, conservation planning, conservation monitoring, birds, marine habitats and mammals, uplands habitats, raised bogs, aquatic habitats and species, woodlands, grasslands, coastal habitats, and including ecologists working on LIFE projects. This figure does not include staff who have trained as biologists or who have may have extensive biology qualifications and experience, but where their primary role is not as a biologist.
