Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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111. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the expected timeline for the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10220/22]

Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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My Department is responsible for the implementation of a range of legislation and policy relating to biodiversity and nature in Ireland and is the National Focal Point for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an overarching international agreement underpinning the global biodiversity framework. In this context, my Department is the lead authority for the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP).

The first draft of the Ireland’s 4^thNational Biodiversity Action Plan (2022- 2026) has been developed following a comprehensive review of national, European and international biodiversity policies and other relevant plans and strategies. The 4^thPlan will build on the successes of the 3^rdNBAP (2017-2021) and will meet the implementation challenges it faced. The draft is currently under internal review and, in the coming weeks, will be sent for wider stakeholder review to bodies and organisations that are likely to be impacted by its recommendations or will be involved in its implementation. A public consultation period will follow in April/May, culminating in a broad discussion at the 2^ndNational Biodiversity Conference, to be held in June.

Our natural heritage enriches our lives and supports our livelihoods. The Plan is an all-of-Government document and all sectors of society need to be engaged in the Plan to ensure its success.