James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

As we conclude this important discussion, I express my sincere thanks for the opportunity to mark National Biodiversity Week in the Dáil and to reaffirm my Department's enduring commitment to the protection and the restoration of Ireland's natural heritage. I acknowledge and thank all Members who contributed, both today and at last week's debate in the Seanad. The quality of debate and the variety of issues raised by Deputies and Senators reflects the growing recognition that biodiversity is not a peripheral issue. In fact, it cannot be.

Biodiversity and its protection is not a nice to have and something we can look at supporting only when it suits us. Such an approach would be both careless and genuinely frustrating for the good work done so far. It would also be dangerous. Biodiversity is essential to our basic well-being, our economy and our responsibility as stewards of this island. The land we walk on and the air we breathe depend on so many factors interplaying. We are so incredibly lucky to have what we have in Ireland around us and it is imperative we do not lose sight of that.

As Minister for housing, I am in conversations every hour of the day about significant building and infrastructure projects but our environmental duties are never far from those discussions at every level. It should be embedded in how we think and how we approach all our work across Government. We actually do not have a choice if we are to set ourselves up for a future where biodiversity thrives. There is very clear and strong cross-party support for preserving and enhancing our environment and I welcome that shared determination.

As we approach the end of National Biodiversity Week, I want to pay tribute to the countless individuals, community groups and organisations who have organised and participated in events right across the country. Their passion and energy is absolutely critical in driving real change on the ground.

In particular, I want to commend the Irish Environmental Network and the National Parks and Wildlife Service on their exceptional co-ordination of this year's programme. The growing engagement speaks for itself. With more than 350 events taking place nationwide, up significantly from 293 in 2024, this reflects our rising awareness and a deepening connection between people and nature. This week's events have helped to shine a light on the everyday places that matter, from protected national parks and nature reserves to hedgerows, riversides and urban green spaces. These are not just habitats; they are homes for wildlife and spaces of meaning and well-being for communities. This stuff really matters.

Each event has highlighted the powerful role that individual and collective action plays in supporting biodiversity. These events encourage the public to discover new things about their local surroundings, to learn and to share knowledge and to experience the riches of biodiversity. Under the programme for Government 2025, the Government has made a clear statement of intent. With record levels of investment in nature and heritage, including €78 million in core funding for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, this funding supports the protection and restoration of vital habits, the improvement of water quality and the conservation of threatened species. It also strengthens enforcement capacity, enhancing monitoring and research, supports the management of protected areas and enables collaborative, locally-led projects through initiatives like the local biodiversity action fund.

It is a whole-of-society, a whole-of-government approach, and one we are committed to deepening. However, investment alone is not enough. Personal responsibility also matters deeply. As the temperature rises and we enter the summer months, I must echo the call of the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, to please avoid lighting fires, using disposable barbecues or discarding cigarette butts in parks, woodlands or any areas rich in biodiversity. Even a single spark can cause devastating harm to delicate ecosystems and endanger human lives. It is not good enough and it should not be happening year-on-year. Respecting our wildlife means protecting it, especially during dry spells when it is most vulnerable.

This week is about our nature and our biodiversity, yes, but it is also about the people who care for it. I sincerely thank all of those across Ireland, from volunteers and local authority staff to farmers, educators, researchers and conservationists whose daily efforts often go unrecognised but their impact is so vital. Their work is laying the foundation for a more sustainable, balanced relationship with the natural world. I also want to highlight the role of young people. Through initiatives like the Green-Schools programme and youth biodiversity networks, a new generation of environmental stewards is emerging that is informed, engaged and passionate. We owe it to them to keep moving forward.

Just yesterday in my constituency of Wexford, I was delighted to announce nearly €89,000 in funding for local biodiversity projects through the National Parks and Wildlife Service local biodiversity action fund. This investment will enable communities across the county to take meaningful action to protect unique habitats and species. This is essential work for places across our county and coastline.

I also want to highlight some of the excellent events taking place this week in my county of Wexford. These events include Seashore Explore in Kilmore Quay on 24 May, along with a series of biodiversity walks and talks, and show what is possible when local knowledge, State support and citizen interest all come together. These are the kinds of efforts that make a difference. With just a few days remaining in National Biodiversity Week, I want to encourage everybody to take the opportunity to engage, explore, listen, learn and visit somewhere new. Every step we take to connect with nature strengthens our commitment to its protection. Let this week serve as a powerful reminder - nature is not separate from us; it is part of us. By safeguarding biodiversity we protect not just the environment, but our health, food systems, culture and our future. I thank everyone once again for their contributions.

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