James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 550: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has in relation to parks and wildlife (details supplied). [35494/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department's provision for national parks and wildlife in 2008 will amount to €46.665 million, which represents an increase of 31% on the 2007 allocation. This significantly increased level of investment is a clear indication of the high priority afforded by Government to biodiversity and nature conservation and accords with the commitment in the Programme for Government to increase resources in this important area. These extra resources underpin Ireland's commitment to meeting the EU target of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 and provide for intensification of our efforts to meet obligations under the Birds and Habitats Directives. At the same time, I plan to step up progress in developing the State's National Parks as flagships for the conservation of our natural heritage and biodiversity. Some of the specific plans for enhanced action in the area of parks and wildlife in 2008 involve improving enforcement capability, enhancing local access to expert advice and supporting the running of national parks and nature reserves; supporting farm plan schemes to incentivise nature-friendly farming methods; supporting and developing scientific research and monitoring to inform policy formulation and to better measure progress in the area of nature conservation; supporting the reintroduction of the Golden Eagle, the Sea Eagle and the Red Kite — large birds of prey which have become extinct in Ireland; improving services and facilities at our national parks and nature reserves, notably in new visitor facilities for Ballycroy National Park, Co. Mayo and Clara Bog, Co. Offaly; protecting bogs through acquisition and purchase of turbary rights; and protecting native species which may be threatened by invasive alien species such as the zebra mussel, grey squirrel and Japanese knotweed. I am satisfied that the substantial additional investment my Department will make in these areas will significantly contribute to biodiversity and nature conservation and support Ireland's efforts in meeting our national and international obligations.