Public Consultation Opens on Biodiversity Plan

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has launched a public consultation on the draft 2025 Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Biodiversity. The plan outlines policies and actions to protect Ireland’s biodiversity and strengthen its resilience to climate change.

Minister O’Sullivan said the plan builds on recent government and European investments to restore and safeguard habitats such as blanket bog and protect rare species including the corncrake and curlew. He noted the launch of Ireland’s fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan last year and ongoing work to develop the country’s first national Nature Restoration Plan.

“The Biodiversity Sectoral Adaptation Plan is a further opportunity to strengthen these actions, hear from stakeholders affected, and co-ordinate our efforts with other government departments to safeguard our biodiversity,” he said.

The minister encouraged participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including those in the water, forestry, marine and agricultural sectors. “I encourage everyone to have their say so that we have a plan informed by the best available science and the views of all stakeholders affected,” he added.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service is coordinating the development of the plan and the public consultation, which runs from 20 August to 17 September 2025. Feedback and suggestions can be submitted by email to Adaptation2025@npws.gov.ie