Major changes to the manner in which Coillte and Bord na Móna operate has been recommended in the report of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration.

The protection, promotion and enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystem services should be a required objective of both Coillte and Bord na Móna, it states.

Both State-owned companies should also prioritise the “restoration of relevant habitats specified in the EU nature restoration regulation”, it adds.

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The report claims there is a “contradiction of purposes” in the commercial remit of both semi-state companies and their role in the management of public lands for nature.

Mirroring the Climate Action Framework for Commercial Semi-State Bodies, the report called on the Government ministers with responsibility for the two companies to issue updated letters of expectation to Coillte and Bord na Móna outlining the Government’s expectations that they:

  • Outline the amount of public land required to be restored for nature.
  • Commit to use a portion of the annual dividend to the State from their commercial operations to contribute to funding the implementation of the EU nature restoration regulation.
  • Transition management practices within Natura 2000 sites and Natural Heritage Areas from commercial management practices to managing for nature, particularly those sites designated for Hen Harrier, active raised bog, and blanket bog.
  • Encourage the expansion of existing important habitats such as ancient and long-established woodlands, native woodlands, and peatlands and those areas that offer the opportunity to support endangered birds and animals.
  • Encourage collaborations with local communities and adjacent private landowners to develop landscape-scale restoration partnerships.

    • The report maintains that all public bodies “must be required to dedicate a portion of their estate to be managed for nature, particularly on prominent and iconic sites”.

    “This includes the ESB, the HSE, IDA, OPW, and local authorities among others,” the report states.