Fingal Greens have welcomed Minister Malcolm Noonan’s announcement detailing his plan to renew the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
The NPWS manages six National Parks and 78 Nature Reserves. Comprising 15 strategic actions, the plan will see the NPWS established as an executive agency and restructured to deliver better outcomes for nature.
Cllr Ian Carey, Swords LEA stated;
“We can see evidence within Fingal of the pressure that nature is under. The National Parks and Wildlife Service is an essential part of addressing our biodiversity emergency. I’m deeply concerned of the lack of action to date to protect areas of Swords in the Ward River Valley and the river system down to the Broadmeadow Estuary. This Strategic Action Plan, launched by my colleague Minister Noonan, aims to deliver an NPWS that is more resilient, better resourced, and better equipped to play its part in Ireland’s response to the biodiversity emergency. The Plan will equip the NPWS with the organisational capability and supporting structures to enable it to deliver its mandate in protecting our country’s natural heritage.”
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD confirmed an investment of €55m to deliver the plan over the lifetime of this Government. This builds upon the gains already made in this sector. In Budget 2022, Minister Noonan increased NPWS funding to €47m, an increase of 64% since he became Minister, bringing it back up to levels not seen since before the financial crisis.
Minister Noonan said;
“My action plan is the outcome of a key Programme for Government commitment to review the role and remit of the NPWS, secured by the Green Party. We are delivering for biodiversity in Government through this plan by equipping and resourcing the NPWS to lead on conservation and restoration, and to be the authoritative and respected voice for nature that Ireland needs.”
