Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)

We are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis, one which threatens ecosystems, food security and our way of life. The facts are stark. Ireland ranks as one of the worst countries in Europe for biodiversity loss. More than 30% of our bee species are at risk of extinction. Wetlands, which are vital for carbon storage and flood prevention, have declined by 90% in the past century. Despite these alarming facts, the Government’s response has been weak, delayed and fundamentally inadequate. The reality is that biodiversity loss is not just an environmental issue; it is a threat to our food security, our water quality and our resilience against climate disasters. When habitats are destroyed, we undermine the very systems that sustain life. The Government’s failure to act with urgency is nothing short of negligence in my opinion. We have seen a lack of enforcement for existing protections and a planning system that continues to prioritise short-term profit over long-term sustainability. We need a step change in approach. We need strong legal protections and binding biodiversity targets, alongside independent monitoring and real consequences for those who damage ecosystems.

In respect of the marine protected areas Bill, the latest response I have received is that it is at an advanced stage of drafting. We need that legislation. We are too long waiting for it.

This Government must increase investment in large-scale restoration projects such as rewilding native woodlands, rehabilitating peatlands and creating wildlife corridors. This is just not about conservation; it is also about rebuilding what has been lost and connecting people with nature. I recently met with the park rangers at the new Brú na Bóinne national park, something I have talked about with the Minister of State. I ask him to please keep supporting and advancing that project. The park rangers spoke about the development of the boardwalk at Girley Bog outside Kells, with which I am very familiar. They were involved in that development. When it was originally proposed, some people questioned who would want to go to a boardwalk in a bog. In fact, it is hugely popular. Build it and they will come. People want to connect with nature now more than ever. People need to connect with nature. The Minister of State should grasp that opportunity with both hands. As part of this, education must be a priority in order to empower communities to become educated around methods of promoting biodiversity and engaging in a sustainable lifestyles. Incentives to empower communities and other funding measures must be implemented to support people in their efforts. I wish the Minister of State well in his role. He will know better than anyone that we have a lot of work to do.

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