Corncrake and Natterjack Toad Conservation Progresses

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has released its NPWS in Review 2024 report, revealing a milestone year for nature conservation in Ireland.

The progress includes the creation of two new national parks and the launch of Ireland’s first-ever Marine National Park—Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara Ciarraí—protecting over 70,000 acres of precious marine and coastal habitat.

Launched by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD, the report highlights sweeping progress made by the NPWS across biodiversity protection, wildlife crime enforcement, habitat restoration, and organisational renewal.

National Parks: A Growing Network of Protected Nature

The number of National Parks in Ireland increased from six to eight in 2024, with over 5.5 million visitors welcomed to these vital nature reserves.

The new marine national park in Kerry represents a transformative moment in Ireland’s approach to nature protection—offering a unique combination of land and sea habitats, and setting a new precedent for marine biodiversity preservation.

Biodiversity Plan Backed by Law

Ireland’s Fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan was published in 2024—the first to carry legislative weight. Public bodies are now legally required to integrate biodiversity considerations into their operations and report progress annually. This major policy step strengthens Ireland’s alignment with the EU Biodiversity Strategy.

Real Results for Species and Habitats

Conservation work throughout 2024 delivered measurable progress for Ireland’s most vulnerable species, such as Corncrakes, Breeding Waders, and Natterjack Toads. Peatland restoration measures were implemented across over 565 hectares of raised bogs, helping store carbon and improve water quality while restoring vital habitats.

Marine protection also took a leap forward, with the proportion of Irish waters under protection rising from 2% to 9%. New protected sites, including the Seas off Wexford SPA, further support Ireland’s marine ecosystem and contribute to meeting EU targets.

Crackdown on Wildlife Crime

The NPWS significantly stepped up wildlife enforcement efforts last year, working closely with An Garda Síochána and other agencies. This collaboration resulted in 30 new prosecutions for breaches of wildlife laws, demonstrating a stronger stance against illegal activities harming Ireland’s flora and fauna.

Powering Conservation through Partnerships

The NPWS continued its leadership and support across seven major LIFE projects, including LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature, Corncrake LIFE, and LIFE on Machair. These initiatives are essential in restoring wetlands, grasslands, and farmland habitats while engaging with local communities and landowners.

A new European Innovation Partnership also launched in 2024, focused on supporting breeding wader birds—some of Ireland’s most endangered ground-nesting species.

Looking Ahead

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the NPWS, highlighted the importance of collaboration and transformation: “Partnership with communities, farmers and landowners has been key, and I would like to pay tribute to them for their ongoing collaboration,” he said. “With improved staffing, engagement and public communications, we are now in a stronger position to deliver better outcomes for nature.”

As climate change and biodiversity loss continue to shape Ireland’s environmental challenges, the NPWS’s 2024 achievements show that well-funded, collaborative efforts can deliver real progress—both for nature and for people.

To explore the full NPWS in Review 2024 report, click here.