Maria McCormack (Sinn Fein)

On behalf of the Sinn Féin group, I extend my condolences to the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, on the loss of his sister.

I am happy to talk about biodiversity. In Laois, and nationally, we have a real opportunity to tackle biodiversity and the climate crisis in a meaningful way. We must follow on from the work our colleague, Senator Noonan, did when he held the brief. In my county there is a visionary proposal to develop a greenway through Cúl na Móna, linking Cashel and Ross bogs, along disused Bord na Móna railway lines. The project is about scenic walking rather than cycling trails and rewilding, restoring vital habitats and reconnecting communities with the beautiful nature that surrounds them. This initiative has unanimous support from Laois County Council. It has the potential to transform a post-industrial landscape into a thriving biodiversity corridor, while supporting native species, strengthening water quality and acting as a carbon sink. It is a win for climate, nature and the people of Laois.

We know the reality. Ireland is in the grip of a biodiversity emergency. We have to do more. Some 80% of our habitats are in a poor or inadequate condition. Species like mallard ducks, kestrels, butterflies and native plants are disappearing at an alarming rate. Nearly half of our freshwater systems are in decline. It is now not just an environmental issue; it is a health, economic and cultural one. Projects like the Cúl na Móna greenway offer a way forward. We have seen successes locally in Laois with Abbeyleix bog, where local people came together to protect and restore an ecosystem. That model works. Laois has its vision, but we need Government support to make it happen. A motion was passed by local county councillors in Laois in October 2024, but we need the Government to drive this forward and engage Bord na Móna so that the project is not delayed any longer. This is more than just a local trail. It is about setting a national example that climate action can be community led, nature has value beyond profit and rural Ireland can be at the heart of real environmental leadership. We all need to enshrine the right to a clean, healthy and safe environment in our Constitution, something recommended by our citizens' assembly. I ask the Minister of State to back the new greenway in Laois and biodiversity and build a better future for all through biodiversity.