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

While the formal transfer of heritage services to the Department was only finalised in September 2020, I am delighted to have the opportunity to reflect on how those services have responded to the challenges posed by Covid-19. The value and importance of our natural heritage has been appreciated as never before since March 2020. Our national parks and reserves protect a diversity of natural life and provide an invaluable resource which, I am proud to say, has remained open since the outset of the pandemic. I recognise and thank all the staff who have made it possible to keep appropriate parts of our network of State-owned land accessible to the public during this emergency. Our network of six iconic national parks and more than 80 nature reserves has given us both the physical and head space to absorb nature. They let us breathe and reflect. Visitor numbers have remained strong and I encourage the continued enjoyment of these wonderful outdoor resources. However, I also remind the public to adhere to all public health restrictions and advice, particularly the requirement not to travel more than 5 km from home.

Regarding national monuments in State ownership, many sites are now closed and measures are in place at those that remain open to enable adherence to public health guidelines. My heritage division continues to liaise with OPW colleagues in order to protect the national estate during these times.

Last year, over 450 heritage projects benefited from a sum of over €4.3 million under my Department’s built heritage capital grant schemes. The schemes provided some much-needed economic stimulus right around the country, and gave employment to the many small businesses, skilled conservation specialists and tradespeople involved in heritage-related construction activity. In November, I was delighted to announce a combined fund of €6 million for these schemes in 2021.

In my short time as Minister I have seen how dedicated our staff in the heritage area are. I have seen the value we place on heritage and I understand our commitments to the land and its history. This pandemic has not changed this; it has only made that commitment stronger. The public should seize the opportunity of international travel restrictions to explore our own island of Ireland this summer, once restrictions are eased and a mass vaccination programme is under way.

I am sure that for many there is more of our country that has not been explored and so much more of our rich and diverse built natural and cultural heritage that can be explored, spending time and money in our local shops, restaurants, cafés and hotels. Despite the messages to "vax and go", people should consider holidaying in Ireland where our teams are waiting for them and will give them a warm welcome.

On voting in a time of Covid, we recently published the general scheme of the electoral reform Bill 2020 to help make elections safer if taking place during Covid-19 restrictions. The Bill provides for important electoral reforms, including the establishment of an electoral commission and the modernisation of our electoral registration processes. It also provides for the conducting of a poll over two days to facilitate social distancing and for a postal vote for those on the special voters list, should nursing homes and similar institutions be inaccessible. The Department is also in consultation with Returning Officers regarding practical Covid compliant arrangements for the conducting of a poll. While there are no immediate electoral events on the horizon, it is important that we plan ahead and be prepared.

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