Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Under action 1.1, the OPW is currently in the process of recruiting an OPW biodiversity manager at assistant principal level. Interviews for this post are due to take place in early July and once appointed, the biodiversity manager role will be supported by a team of two ecologists and a clerical officer. The ecologists will be recruited following the appointment of the biodiversity manager and the clerical officer has been requested from the Public Appointment Service.

With regard to gap analysis and the availability of trained staff, the OPW has been collaborating with the NPWS and SOLAS to develop a training module that will specifically cover the gap in traditional training. The first meeting took place in Tullamore last month and, once approved, this programme will be rolled out to all staff beginning next year.

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