Public dialogue begins on Ireland’s future ecosystems

People across Ireland are being invited to help shape the country’s Nature Restoration Plan through a series of community events announced today by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD.

The programme, which begins later this month, will see meetings held nationwide throughout September and October.

The first event takes place in Lahinch, Co Clare on 14 September focusing on coastal ecosystems. Further sessions will be held in Iveragh, Co Kerry on 25 September on upland ecosystems, Killybegs, Co Donegal on 2 October for marine ecosystems, Askeaton, Co Limerick on 5 October for agricultural ecosystems, Carlingford, Co Louth on 11 October for upland and coastal ecosystems, Ballyforan, Co Roscommon on 18 October for peatland ecosystems, Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow on 28 October for urban ecosystems, and Phibsboro, Co Dublin on 30 October for urban ecosystems. Two online events will also take place towards the end of October with details to be published on RestoreNature.ie.

The outcomes of the discussions will feed into the work of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration, which will make recommendations to Government on how Ireland will deliver its commitments under the new EU Nature Restoration Law. The law requires countries to draw up strategies for restoring degraded ecosystems including peatlands, rivers, coastal areas and farmland, with implications for agriculture, marine policy, housing and urban development.

Minister O’Sullivan said communities would play a central role. “I have no doubt that communities are way ahead of us all in their thinking and there are undoubtedly lots of brilliant ideas just waiting to be unearthed to help restore our wildlife and the habitats they depend on. I am committed to ensuring that Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan works for people as well as nature, so it is essential that the recommendations I receive are grounded in real world experience.”

Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, chair of the Advisory Committee, said local knowledge would be critical. “Local people and communities know their lands and seas best, they know what works and what does not, and we want to hear from them to ensure our recommendations are as positive and impactful as possible.”

The events will be facilitated by independent delivery partners ACT and Hometree on behalf of the committee and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Full details are available at RestoreNature.ie/get-involved.