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

Amendment No. 239 jointly tabled by Deputies Ó Broin, Gould, Ó Snodaigh, Boyd Barrett, Smith, Kenny and O’Callaghan seeks to amend a matter in respect of which regional spatial economic strategy must include provision for the preservation and protection of the environment and its amenities, including the archeological, architectural and natural heritage of the region, to expand the scope to include restoration of the environment as well as preservation and protection. I do not consider this amendment to be required as the wording of section 27(1)(k) as drafted is appropriate and does not warrant further revision. Therefore, I cannot accept this amendment.

The inclusion of the word "historical" is not required as it is already covered by references to archaeological and natural heritage. However, I take on board the points made by Deputies regarding restoration, particularly as it pertains to nature. We already gave a commitment to look at the biodiversity elements of the Bill in terms of strengthening it. In light of the nature restoration law and the State's commitment to embark on a nature restoration plan regardless of the outcome of the meeting of COREPER this week, it is important to give consideration to this. I ask the Deputies to allow us to consider how we might incorporate that and come back to them.

I agree with Deputy Boyd Barrett regarding natural regeneration, which still requires management. Restoration requires a significant level of management and as we are heading into a decade of restoration, it is important to try to give effect to that. If they are agreeable, we will come back to the Deputies on the matter at a later stage.