Dr. Aoibhinn N? Sh?illeabh?in:

I thank Deputy O'Rourke. Local authorities were key across all of the conversations because people recognised that they are the key place for people to be involved in their local area and for the enforcement of legislation. Across the 159 recommendations, there are specific recommendations relevant to local authorities. For example, recommendation No. 29 suggests that, "Each local authority must have at least one full-time dedicated biodiversity officer, the total number of which should be determined by population density, land mass and coastline". That followed our presentation from Utrecht. Off the top of my head, I cannot quite recall the number but I believe it had seven in its planning department for that one city. Our local authorities do not even have one each at the moment. As I said, a lot of development has occurred on that, which is great. Recommendation No. 42 also states that, "Local authorities are uniquely placed to deliver biodiversity projects". We have to provide funding and staff resources. The recommendation also states that local authorities should be held accountable. One recommendation suggested by members is that Government, under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, have a blueprint for every local authority to suggest the outlined works on which each might be able to focus.

In terms of local groups and NGOs, etc., they were also highlighted as key. We came across so many communities across the country that we created specific videos because we could not invite everybody in. They are available on the website; they are fascinating. Recommendation Nos. 47 to 54 highlight the support communities and NGOs require in this area, such as providing a streamlined and easily accessible system of small grants, information and support, funding and infrastructural supports to local community and voluntary groups engaged on biodiversity loss and restoration, like managing invasive species. Many groups are doing that, for example, tackling rhododendrons and participating in citizen science. The recommendations also highlight the all-Ireland pollinator plan and aligning the work communities can do with rural regeneration and development. They are policies that can align and provide an injection of funding and energy into rural communities and communities in urban areas with gardens and allotments. They were a focus of success stories happening on the ground and how we can do more of that. As I said earlier, an independent agency could be a go-to place for that, providing information and recording the great work being done. If, when people give up their time for free, that was recognised in some way by the State, simply by acknowledging it on the record, that would add to people's capacity to want to do more.

number of which should be determined by population density, land mass and coastline