Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

On the Deputy's second question, on damage to habitats, he is absolutely correct. There have been huge challenges. I will ask Mr. Trevor Donnelly from the NPWS to comment on this. During the first summer of the Covid pandemic, there was significant damage. There was certainly an intrusion on wildlife and damage to trails and walkways. A lot of the money we secured under the July stimulus went towards trying to repair trails and install new ones. In our peatlands and bogs, designated walking trails provide a fantastic amenity, but they need regular and significant maintenance. It is critical that we have continued to invest through the capital programme both this year and last year. That includes having general operative staff on the ground in our national parks and nature reserves to help carry out the work. I will ask Mr. Donnelly to comment specifically because he has more detail.