Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
352. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht the local authorities employing biodiversity officers; the number of biodiversity officers employed by each of the local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21690/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Heritage section is responsible for the implementation of a range of legislation and policy relating to biodiversity and nature in Ireland, not including the employment of biodiversity officers, which falls under the remit of each local authority. At the current time there are five biodiversity officers employed in the following local authorities:
Fingal County Council
Wexford County Council
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
Dublin City Council
Kerry County Council
In addition, the County Heritage Officer Network Programme, run in partnership between the Heritage Council and local authorities, employs twenty-nine heritage officers. Heritage officers work with other sections within the local authorities to develop policies and projects which highlight the importance of our natural and built heritage when planning for the future. They co-ordinate and implement County Heritage Plans and work with local environmental and community groups to organise events throughout the year.
