The first public consultation on the draft Nature Restoration Plan has been announced by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan.

He acknowledged the work that went into the development of the plan over the past year and a half and highlighted the importance of public participation and stakeholder engagement in Ireland’s approach to restoring nature.

Ireland’s draft plan is based on a template provided by the European Commission, as is the case for all member states.

ADVERTISEMENT

Explaining the process, O’Sullivan said: “Following the public consultation, and subject to approval at Cabinet, we will submit the draft to the Commission this coming September.

“The Commission will then review it and provide us with feedback over the coming 12 months. The next iteration of the NRP will then go out to another public consultation, before approval is sought at Cabinet again on the final document.”

O’Sullivan stated his intention to develop a national nature strategy. He hopes this would be a document that gives a “full and complete picture of what the Nature Restoration Law requires of us and – crucially – how its implementation will be funded”.

“Delivering on the Nature Restoration Law is my top priority as Minister for Nature," he said. “I am currently working with colleagues across Government to put the necessary resources and supports in place so that Ireland is ready to grasp this once-in-a-generation opportunity and ensure we can all share in the benefits of a healthy, thriving natural environment.

“I would like to thank them for their ongoing support.”