Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

We can all see how passionate the Minister of State is about National Biodiversity Week. I am pleased to follow my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan, and to join this important discussion as we mark National Biodiversity Week. It is a key moment in our national calendar when we reflect on, celebrate and, most important, act to protect and restore Ireland's precious natural heritage.

Throughout my time in public life, particularly during my work in housing, local government and community development, I have seen how deeply biodiversity is connected to people's lives. From how we plan and build our communities to how we manage our public spaces and support rural life, nature is part of the everyday fabric of Ireland. As the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, has outlined, the challenges we face are serious. Biodiversity loss is accelerating at home and around the globe, but as we mark this dedicated week of awareness and action, we also have reasons for hope because momentum is building not just in Government policy but also in the growing engagement of local communities, young people and other citizens. Through such initiatives as the local biodiversity action fund, the town centre first scheme and green infrastructure planning, we are supporting practical projects that restore nature while improving people's lives. These projects are not abstract. They mean cleaner rivers, safer flood plains, thriving pollinators, pollination and green public spaces that bring people together.

Local government has a vital role to play. Local authorities now have dedicated biodiversity officers, supported by national funding, who are helping to mainstream biodiversity in everything from planning to parks management. Community groups, especially in towns and villages, are stepping up to protect native species, create pollinator-friendly spaces and engage the next generation. This is work I have seen at first hand in constituencies across the country and it is part of why I care so deeply about this issue. Nature is not just something to be protected in chosen sites; it lives all around us and it thrives when we work together to care for it.

Of course more must be done. The national biodiversity action plan gives us a strong framework, but I will make sustained efforts in cross-sector co-operation to meet its goals. This is what we are all doing, through the Minister. We are all making the effort through all the different sectors co-operating to meet goals. Biodiversity must be considered in housing, agriculture, transport and education and we must listen closely to those already doing this work on the ground. The Minister of State spoke about farmers, volunteers and local experts because they are key to real progress.

Today is day six of National Biodiversity Week. It has seen a remarkable increase in participation, rising from 293 events last year to 350 this year. Over these ten days people of all ages throughout the country are engaging in activities that underscore the importance of biodiversity to our health, well-being and future. Organised by the Irish Environmental Network and supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Biodiversity Week is a nationwide opportunity to reconnect with nature. It brings together community groups, NGOs and local authorities showing off all their showcases and the very best of Ireland's natural heritage through guided walks, hands-on workshops and citizen science projects. There is so much going on. As I said, there are 350 events this year. That is absolutely brilliant and to be welcomed. Events taking place include hedgerow and woodland walks, whale watching, bat surveys and biodiversity cycle tours. Children are being introduced to wildlife in their local parks and gardens. They are learning how to support pollinators. We now have gardeners doing courses and very much involved in this. Families are participating in activities and what is called the backyard bioblitz. I am sure some Members are aware of that. There is also the biodiversity scavenger hunt.

Importantly, this week also aligns with a number of international awareness days. Today we mark Natura 2000 Day, celebrating Europe's protected habitats. Tomorrow is the International Day for Biological Diversity, with this year's theme being harmony with nature and sustainable development. European Day of Parks, which will take place on 24 May, recognises the legacy of Europe's first national parks.

In my own constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny there are inspiring examples of community engagement. In Carlow, daily guided tours at Altamont Gardens are drawing visitors, while the Carlow Beekeepers Association is sharing knowledge through online talks. For those who like to get out and about, guided walks are available throughout the week. A series of bat walks is arranged for evening time and, in Kilkenny, a dusk chorus at the castle and a hands-on water sampling workshop at Kenny's Well. These offer people a chance to connect directly with nature and learn how to support it. These events are important and bring everybody together. It was great that we had such good weather all week. That encouraged people to go to as many events as possible. We cannot give the Minister the praise for that.

This week also shines a light on the growing momentum behind Ireland's response to the biodiversity crisis through the work of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, in partnership with local authorities, landowners, communities and conservation organisers. We are seeing real progress in restoring habitats, supporting species and promoting sustainable land use. I acknowledge the tireless efforts of so many local volunteers, environmental educators, NPWS staff, farmers and community leaders who are on the front line of the work every day. Their efforts are often unseen but they are essential. That is what it is all about - recognising the good work that is being done around Ireland. It is important that we give them the thanks and praise they deserve. As with everything, the people behind the scenes are doing the work and sometimes we forget to recognise them. Our schools and youth organisations also deserve recognition. Such programmes as Green Schools and the youth biodiversity networks instill a deep sense of environmental stewardship in the next generation, a generation that will carry forward the responsibility of protecting what we risk losing.

With four days remaining in National Biodiversity Week I encourage everyone across this House and throughout the country to take part, attend an event and take time to appreciate the ecosystem that sustains us all. Biodiversity protection is not just a duty. It is an opportunity to create healthier communities, build resilience in the face of climate change and to leave behind a living, thriving natural heritage for future generations. I am proud to stand here during National Biodiversity Week to reaffirm my own commitment and that of this Government and the Minister of State, who has been working hard visiting farmers, schools and different areas around the country. We must all continue working with colleagues across the House to turn plans into action and ambition into results. I look forward to a productive and solution-focused debate on how we can continue to strengthen Ireland’s efforts to protect and restore biodiversity.

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