Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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468. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the status of the review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51006/21]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 137 of 28 September 2021. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) review is currently at drafting stage following the extensive research and consultation phase. It is hoped that the final report, which is being prepared by the Independent Chair, Prof Jane Stout of Trinity College Dublin, will be completed before the end of the year.

Once the final report is received the next phases of the process will commence in turn. Firstly, the Reflect Phaseas my Department considers the outcomes of this work and then synthesizes the resourcing gains of the past 18 months with a detailed, expert analysis of governance, organisational structures, communications, data systems and future resourcing, and outline the NPWS’ specific requirements across those areas. The final, Renew Phasewill detail the objectives and prioritised actions required to equip the NPWS to continue to deliver on the ambitious goals, objectives and targets emerging from our Programme for Government – Our Shared Future, the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, Heritage Ireland 2030 and the new National Biodiversity Action Plan.