Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 November 2019
40. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional funding provided for nature conservation and biodiversity in budget 2020 with a particular focus on initiatives in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45407/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the course of the last year I have listened very carefully to the extensive public debate on biodiversity loss and the threats to nature. The National Biodiversity Conference in Dublin this year, which I hosted, the development of the Seeds for Nature initiative, the wide ranging public debate on the Heritage Ireland 2030 Plan as well as the extensive engagement across Government on Climate Action were instrumental in my securing an overall 15% budget increase in the Heritage sector in Budget 2020.
Total funding for our Built and Natural Heritage sector in 2020 will amount to €62.5m, up from €54m last year – an increase of over €8m – comprising additional capital provision of €6.75m (up 44%) on 2019 and additional current funding of €1.623m.
This funding includes €7m in funding to embark on an accelerated programme of peatlands restoration and conservation works. This programme will result in 1,800 hectares of restored peatland in 2020, generating 100 jobs in the Midlands. It is part of a multi-annual programme which aims will ultimately lead to the storage of 28 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. Restoration and rehabilitation of raised bogs will provide multiple additional ecosystem services such as water and air quality improvements, flood mitigation, enhancing biodiversity, opportunities for tourism development, and contribute to the social and economic well being of local communities.
Additional funding of €1m is also being provided to accelerate key nature conservation and biodiversity programmes under the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which includes the recruitment of front line conservation specialists.
The NPWS Farm plan scheme will also be enhanced in 2020 by doubling the fund available to €1m to support measures to protect biodiversity and assist farmers with lands designated as Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas in their role as custodians of nature.
My Department continues to provide grant funding for local authority projects that promote actions contained in the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) 2017-2021. This funding includes a grant award made to Clare County Council to undertake a three year project aimed at enhancing biodiversity education and action within the County. My Department will continue too to support the Burren National Park in the context of progressing the Tourism Masterplan for the National Parks.
