Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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In terms of biodiversity and protecting nature, local authorities play a role and could play a major role. At the moment, the most obvious role involves heritage officers running biodiversity schemes and programmes and providing education in schools and hands-on practical experience for the next generation. Do the witnesses feel more could be done by local authorities? Is enough being done apart from work by heritage officers? Obviously, planning departments are meant to be aware of protecting the environment and what is appropriate for the landscape. What are the witnesses' views on the role of local authorities in protecting the environment and biodiversity?